Percutaneous Anthropometry of Hand Dimensions for Stature Reconstruction Among Nigerians

Abstract

Background: prediction of stature from skeletal remains or fragmented body parts is a challenging task since many times even the remains are not found in preserved form. Whereas, it is known that same regression formula for prediction of stature is not useable for all the population since anthropometric variations for different populations and even for geographical regions exist. Objective: This study was designed to evaluate the association between hand dimensions with stature of Nigerian adults in University of Lagos. Materials and Methods: This study involves Nigerian Medical students from University of Lagos, between the ages of 18 through 36years. A sample size of 230 participants including 100 males and 130 females were recruited for anthropometric exercise. Three variables were measured (Stretch Stature, Hand length and Hand breadth) following standard tools and procedures. Statistical analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 20 Chicago Inc and Microsoft Excel, to present the various dataset in tables, graphs and linear scattered plots. Results: The results recorded mean stature of 176.36±8.13cm in the males and 164.38±6.62cm in the females. Pearson moment correlation coefficient showed varying level of association between stature and hand dimensions with stronger correlation recorded between stature and hand length while hand breadth and stature showed a weak association. The data from this study will find immense relevance to an anatomist and forensic anthropologist when confronted with cases of missing identities in the crime scene.