Stature Estimation from Fragmentary Femora: A Revision of the Steele Method

Abstract

The skeletal remains presented to forensic anthropologists are often fragmentary. Previously described methods of estimating stature from segments of long bones have not proved satisfactory because of the difficulty involved in identifying the precise anatomical landmarks by which they are defined. This study represents an assessment of the feasibility of stature estimation from fragmentary femora. A sample of 200 males and females, blacks and whites (total sample = 800), was obtained from the Terry Collection. New regression equations for the estimation of maximum femur length and stature from three well-defined and easy-to-measure segments of the femur are presented. This technique represents an improvement over methods currently in use for estimating stature from femur fragments; the location of the anatomical landmarks and the accuracy of the prediction are enhanced. The applicability of these formulae to a modern forensic sample is addressed with regard to secular trends in stature increase and changes in body segment proportions.

Estimation of stature from index and ring finger length in Davangere district

“…Simmons et al 2 derived formulae to calculate stature with good results, even when only parts of the bone are available. Bhatnagar et al 3 used different hand dimensions to predict the stature of an individual in different populations.…”

Türk Toplumuna Özgü Üst ve Alt Ekstremite Kemiklerinin Uzunlukları Antropometrik Araştırma

“…Bir çok ülkede ekstremite ölçümlerinden kimlik tayi ni çalışmaları genellikle koleksiyonlar üzerinden yapıl maktadır (7,12). Birinci Dünya Savaşı veya Kore Sava şı 'nda ölen askerlerin kemiklerinden elde edilen koleksi yonlar araştırmacılar tarafından kullanılmıştır.…”

Amelia Earhart and the Nikumaroro Bones: A 1941 Analysis versus Modern Quantitative Techniques

“…3. Adjust lateral femur condyle height to tibia length by subtracting ankle height (63 mm, as above) and femur distal condyle height, 36 mm (Simmons et al 1990). The point estimate is 470.7 − 63 − 36 = 371.7.…”