Journal Published Online: 01 March 2005
Volume 50, Issue 2

Body Height Estimation Based on Dimensions of Sacral and Coccygeal Vertebrae

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

This study is to evaluate whether it is possible to predict living stature from sacral and coccygeal vertebral dimensions. Individual vertebral body heights, sacral height(SH), and sacrococcygeal height (SCH) were recorded from the magnetic resonance images of 42 adult males. Sum of the heights of five sacral vertebrae (ΣS), the first four coccygeal vertebrae (ΣC), and the total height of the sacral and the first four coccygeal vertebrae together (ΣSC) were also recorded. Linear regression equations for stature estimation were produced using the above mentioned variables. The regression equations were constructed and tested by using jack-knife procedure. Statistical analyses indicated that the combined variables (SH, SCH, ΣS, ΣC, ΣSC) were more accurate predictors of stature than the heights of individual vertebrae. The results of the study pointed out that the equations derived from sacrococcygeal dimensions perform somewhat better than ones based on foot and head variables, but worse than those based on long-bone length. As a conclusion, the dimensions of sacral and coccygeal vertebrae could be used for stature estimation when long bones are not available.

Author Information

Pelin, C
Başkent University, Faculty of Medicine, Etimesgut, Ankara, Turkey
Duyar, İ
Institute of Forensic Medicine, Ankara University, Cebeci, Ankara, Turkey
Kayahan, EM
Başkent University, Faculty of Medicine, Bahçelievler, Ankara, Turkey
Zagyapan, R
Başkent University, Faculty of Medicine, Etimesgut, Ankara, Turkey
Ağildere, AM
Başkent University, Faculty of Medicine, Bahçelievler, Ankara, Turkey
Erar, A
Baŕkent University, Faculty of Science and Letters, Etimesgut, Ankara, Turkey
Pages: 4
Price: $25.00
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Stock #: JFS2004010
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS2004010