Stature Estimation by Using Postmortem Computed Tomography Scan Images of Long Limbs - Abstract
Estimation of stature is an important tool in developing a biological profile for human identification especially using long bones. Thus far, stature estimation had been done mostly based on the American population. Both Thai Formulae and Malaysia Formulae were currently practice applied by Forensic Anthropologists in Malaysia. Amongst the Asian population, this study had shown that Thai Formulae with direct bone measurement have higher accuracy and reliability compared to the Malaysia Formulae. A new tool is developed in this study to Formulate stature estimation by measuring via Postmortem Multislice Computed Tomography (PMCT) images on the average bilateral length measurements of 3 long bones including humerus, femur and tibia. All the postmortem cases in year 2015 involved Asian Population with known stature were included. A total sample size of 333 were selected by convenience sampling based on the archived PMCT images available and those images with fractured bones or presenting out of the PMCT framework were excluded. Statistical analyses showed that there was a significant difference of stature between sex but not significant between population and ancestry. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Regression analysis proved that lower limbs have higher correlation with the stature compared with upper limbs. This study has created more reliable Formulae for Malaysia population compared to Non-Malaysia Asian population. For unknown dead bodies, forensic anthropologists were recommended to use both Femur and Tibia Length and the Formulae under combined category to resemble the Asian population.