Regression-based stature prediction from percutaneous tibial length in North Indian and African students
Prajna Paramita Samanta, Sreekala C. Nair, Abhilasha Priya, Mamata PanigrahiAbstract:
Introduction:
Stature estimation is a cornerstone of forensic anthropology and personal identification, particularly when complete bodies are not available. It becomes essential in situations such as mass disasters, mutilated bodies, accidents, and skeletal remains. Body dimensions are shaped by a number of interacting variables – including genetic constitution, nutritional history, geographic origin, sex, and age. This makes it inappropriate for predictive models across ethnically distinct groups without independent validation.
Aim and Objectives:
This study aims to evaluate the reliability of percutaneous tibial length (PCTL) as a predictor of body height in North Indian and African students.
Materials and Methods:
The present study was a cross-sectional study conducted in the department of anatomy after obtaining clearance from the institutional ethics committee. The study included 170 students (aged 18–25 years) of North Indian and African origin. Participants with congenital deformities or musculoskeletal abnormalities affecting the lower limbs were excluded from the study. Body height measurements were obtained utilizing standardized anthropometric equipment, while PCTL values were recorded through the spreading caliper methodology. Descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation analysis, and linear regression analysis were used to determine the relationship between tibial length and stature.
Results:
North Indian males had a mean height of 174.50 ± 7.25 cm and a mean PCTL of 42.66 ± 2.89 cm; North Indian females recorded 158.69 ± 7.00 cm and 35.69 ± 2.88 cm, respectively. African males showed a mean height of 174.12 ± 8.83 cm and PCTL of 43.20 ± 3.31 cm, while African females recorded 162.88 ± 5.58 cm and 38.80 ± 1.90 cm. Males surpassed females in both stature and PCTL across both the ethnic groups. African participants displayed slightly greater tibial lengths than North Indians. There were correlative relationships between PCTL and overall stature across both demographic groups (correlation coefficient
Conclusion:
PCTL is a noninvasive, easily measurable, and highly reliable anthropometric indicator for stature reconstruction. The interethnic variation in regression parameters highlights that population-tailored equations are indispensable for accurate forensic and clinical height estimation.