Stature Estimation in South African Juveniles and Adult Females

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URL: http://wiredspace.wits.ac.za/handle/10539/21523

Abstract

Research on stature estimation in sub-adult is often hampered by the general lack of modern skeletal collections with contextual data. To overcome this limitation the current study utilised magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of living participants to assess stature estimation methods.

Firstly, the precision of osteometric data collected from MRI scans was evaluated by comparing measurements collected from MRI scans of 36 fleshed cadaver limbs to similar measurements collected from the same dry bones. Results showed no significant differences between MRI and dry bone measurements, except for the epicondylar breadth of the femur, and as such MRI can be used to accurately collect osteometric data.

Studies have questioned the accuracy of the anatomical method, as this method continuously underestimates stature. This has been related to the use of a universal soft tissue correction which some suggest are sex- and population-specific. Total skeletal height was calculated from measurements collected from MRI scans of 30 Black South African adult females and living stature was estimated using the methods proposed by Fully, Raxter et al. and Bidmos & Manger. Results indicated that the anatomical method as described by Fully and Raxter et al. significantly underestimated stature while the method proposed by Bidmos & Manger significantly overestimated stature. A new soft tissue correction factor specific for Black South African females was calculated which improved the accuracy of stature estimates.

Sub-adult skeletal remains are mainly evaluated for age estimation, but regrettably little information is available regarding the estimation of sub-adult stature. Various measurements of the femur and tibia as well as the total skeletal height were attained from MRI scans of 59 Black South African sub-adult males and females and used to describe sub-adult stature. Results indicated very strong statistically significant positive correlations between the measurements and living stature, with stature estimation regression equations characterized by small standard error of estimates, comparable to that reported for adults. Descriptions of stature are thus encouraged as it can add valuable information to the biological profile of sub-adult remains. This study is relevant to forensic applications where it is necessary to quantify stature from skeletal remains.

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