Estimation of Total Length of Femur from its Proximal and Distal Segmental Measurements of Disarticulated Femur Bones of Nepalese Population using Regression Equation Method

摘要

Introduction: Length of long bones is taken as an importantcontributor for estimating one of the four elements of forensicanthropology i.e., stature of the individual. Since physicalcharacteristics of the individual differ among different groups ofpopulation, population specific studies are needed for estimatingthe total length of femur from its segment measurements.Aim: Since femur is not always recovered intact in forensic cases,it was the aim of this study to derive regression equations frommeasurements of proximal and distal fragments in Nepalesepopulation.Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study wasdone among 60 dry femora (30 from each side) without sexdetermination in anthropometry laboratory. Along with maximumfemoral length, four proximal and four distal segmentalmeasurements were measured following the standard methodwith the help of osteometric board, measuring tape and digitalVernier’s caliper. Bones with gross defects were excluded fromthe study. Measured values were recorded separately for rightand left side. Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSSversion 11.5) was used for statistical analysis.Results: The value of segmental measurements were differentbetween right and left side but statistical difference was notsignificant except for depth of medial condyle (p=0.02). All themeasurements were positively correlated and found to havelinear relationship with the femoral length.Conclusion: With the help of regression equation, femorallength can be calculated from the segmental measurements;and then femoral length can be used to calculate the stature ofthe individual. The data collected may contribute in the analysisof forensic bone remains in study population.