Anthropometric Correlation between Percutaneous Length of Long Bones of Lower Limb and Stature in Adult Males - A Cross-Sectional Study from the North Indian Population

Stature estimation from skeletal remains is crucial in forensic anthropology and medical identification. Long lower limb bones, notably the femur and tibia, predict height, but their correlation differs by population, requiring population-specific models. Bilateral right-left limb measurement discrepancies may further reduce accuracy. This study aimed to assess the correlation between stature and percutaneous femur and tibia lengths, evaluate bilateral asymmetry, and develop regression equations specific to adult North Indian males.

A cross-sectional study was carried out on 250 healthy adult males, belonging to the age groups of 18-40 years, in North India. Stature, right and left femur length, and right and left tibia length were measured with the help of standard anthropometric techniques. Pearson’s correlation was utilized for determining the association between the bone lengths and stature. Bilateral asymmetry was tested using paired t-tests. Formulation of stature estimation equations was done through simple and multiple regression analysis. The statistical significance was defined as p < 0.05.

All long-bone measures correlated positively with stature (p < 0.001). The right femur had the strongest correlation (r = 0.924), followed by the right tibia (0.861), left tibia (0.837), and left femur (0.825). Significant bilateral asymmetry was found in femur and tibia lengths (p < 0.001). According to simple linear regression models, the right femur is the most trustworthy predictor (R² = 0.854; Standard Error of Estimate, SEE = ±4.156 cm). The multiple regression model encompassing all four bone lengths demonstrated strong predictive power (R² = 0.855, p < 0.001); only the right femur was significant because of multicollinearity.

The lengths of the femur and tibia are significant predictors of height in adult North Indian males, with the right femur exhibiting the greatest accuracy. Pronounced bilateral asymmetry points to the need for side-specific regression models, in particular, in the forensic cases of incomplete remains. The population-specific equations obtained provide solid tools for forensic and anthropological applications.