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Estimation of Adult Stature From Fragmentary Tibias

NCJ Number
140063
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 37 Issue: 5 Dated: (September 1992) Pages: 1223-1229
Author(s)
T D Holland
Date Published
1992
Length
7 pages
Annotation
Linear regression equations derived from measurements of tibial condyles from 100 individuals in the Hamann-Todd Collection at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History retrodicted known stature with a level of confidence comparable to other stature estimation techniques.
Abstract
Eight measurements of the proximal end of each tibia were taken to the nearest 0.1 mm using a vernier sliding caliper. One day later, 20 percent of the tibias were remeasured; the pool of measurements was culled to five, each having an intraobserver error of 3.5 percent or less. The five measurements included biarticular breadth, medial condyle articular width, medical condyle articular length, lateral condyle articular width, and lateral condyle articular length. Estimation of adult stature using the proximal tibia was possible due to a linear relation that held between stature and dimensions of the proximal end of the tibia. Since complete tibia length was not required, the technique could prove useful in forensic science and archaeological cases where less-than-intact elements are recovered. 20 references, 2 tables, and 1 figure