ESTIMATION OF STATURE FROM FRAGMENT OF FEMUR (POPLITEAL LENGTH) IN BENGALEE POPULATION

Introduction: Of the mathematical methods, regression equations have been successfully used for estimation of stature. Population specific formulae produce more accurate results. The present investigation was designed to estimate stature from fragment of femur obtained from a collection of Bengalee population of the state of West Bengal of India. Materials & Methods: The fragment of the femur (Popliteal length of femur) was measured by a vertical length from the point where the distance between external borders of both linea aspera lips becomes 10 mm (it was considered as the lower end of linea aspera, where the two lips diverges below), to the ground where lower surfaces of both the condyles were in contact. Results: The following regression equation was obtained: Stature in feet = 0.127[20.1184 + 1.6890x]. (‘x’ stands for popliteal length of femur in centimeter.) Discussion: This would help in identification of unknown skeletal remains, as estimation of stature is an important part in establishing the biological profile of skeletal remains.