Stature Estimation Overview of stature estimation from the

Stature Estimation

Overview of stature estimation from the skeleton: l l I. Background II. Methods – – A. B. C. D. Long bone lengths Fragmentary long bone lengths Fully’s Anatomical Method Other

I. l Background Ranges: stature is estimated as a range rather than as an exact measure due to normal human variation l Variation: body proportions vary; some people have longer limbs and shorter torsos, and some people have shorter torsos and longer limbs l Age: elderly people may have actually lost some height as vertebral disks compress with age; subadults may not be finished growing

I. Background l Sex differences? There are tall women and short men, just as there are tall men and short women

I. Background l Age: growth vs. skeletal maturity

I. Background l Other – – – Health and Nutrition Disease effects Lifestyle

I. Background l Stature trivia – Reported vs. actual stature l – Height fluctuations l – Studies have shown that a lot of people over-report their height on drivers’ licenses Try sitting in the driver’s seat of a car in the morning and note where the rear-view mirror is; then sit in the car later in the day or at night and see if you need to adjust the mirror (we’re taller when we first wake up in the morning and shorter at the end of the day) Perceptions l fashion may influence how tall/short people think you are

II. l Methods A. Long Bone Lengths What is done: – – l Maximum lengths of long bones are measured and compared to data (of known individuals) Regression formulae also used to estimate adult stature range Who: – – Mildred Trotter and Goldine Gleser (1950’s-70’s) Extensive stature research

II. l Methods A. Long Bone Lengths Measure the long bone: – – – Which bone(s)? In mm Using an osteometric board

II. l Methods A. Long Bone Lengths Correlate measurement with stature data: – Tables, charts, distinguished by sex and ancestry

II. Methods A. Long Bone Lengths l Calculate stature using regression formulae: – Example: using femur length in cm, 47. 0 l l 2. 15 (f) + 72. 57 [+/- 3. 80] – f stands for the femur maximum length measurement 101. 05 + 72. 57 = 173. 62 cm – 173. 62 cm divided by 2. 54 = 68. 35 inches, mean 173. 62 + 3. 80 = 177. 42 cm = 69. 85 inches 173. 62 – 3. 80 = 169. 82 cm = 66. 86 inches Note: You will NOT have to calculate stature for the next test; however, please know the basic idea of how it is done.

II. Methods B. Fragmentary Long Bones l Measurements taken on specified regions of long bones, correlated to stature – – – Shaft areas Points between landmarks A bit less accurate than complete bones l – Why: because the maximum length of the bone must be estimated first, then the estimated maximum length is used in to make another estimate—the overall stature of the individual. Why and when might this method be useful?

II. l l Methods C. Fully’s Anatomical Method G. Fully and H. Pineau (1960): This method involves estimating stature based on most bones contributing to body length Approximate summary—total the measured heights of: – – – l Calcaneus, talus Tibia Femur Sacrum (S 1: 1 st segment) Vertebrae (except C 1 -C 2—because the posterio-inferior portion of the cranium covers this) Cranium Only the bones contributing to height are used

II. l l Methods C. Fully’s Anatomical Method Why is this method reliable? Why might this method be difficult to employ?

II. l l Methods D. Other Metacarpals Phalanges – – Simply be aware that these bones have also been studied to see their relationship to a person’s height Even though this is less accurate, when might this method be used?

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