Anat Cell Biol.  2022 Jun;55(2):170-178. 10.5115/acb.22.045.

Stature estimation using the sternum in a Thai population

• Jeamamornrat V
• Monum T
• Keereewan W
• Mahakkanukrauh P

• KMID: 2531204
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5115/acb.22.045

Abstract

Stature estimation is an important process of biological profile analysis for the identification of skeletal remains. In forensic practice, non-long bones might be needed for estimating stature, in case long bones were not recovered or well preserved. This study developed the stature estimation model from dry sterna in a Thai population. The combined length of manubrium and mesosternum (CMM) was the best single stature estimation indicator for males and combined sex samples, whereas the sternal area (SA) was the best stature estimation indicator for females in our study. The best multiple regression analysis models of our study were stature equal 122.685+0.182 (CMM)+0.592 (intercostal length between the third and fourth ribs [ICL₃₄ ]) with a standard error of estimation (SEE) of 6.134 cm for males, stature equal 130.676+0.005 (SA) with SEE of 5.370 cm for females, and stature equal 79.412+0.342 (CMM)+0.506 (corpus sterni width at first sternebra [CSW_S1 ])+0.794 (ICL₃₄ ) with SEE of 6.222 cm for unknown sex samples. The results indicated that a sternum can be used for estimating the stature of skeletal remains in a Thai population. However, these models might not be suitable for other populations, especially, in case the suspected stature is over the stature range in our study.

Keyword

Forensic anthropology; Stature estimation; Sternum; Thai population

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Measurement on the sternum. MBL, manubrium length; MBW, manubrium width; MSL, mesosternum length; CMM, combined length of manubrium and mesosternum; ICL23, intercostal length between 2nd rib and 3rd rib; ICL34, intercostal length between 3rd rib and 4th rib; ICL45, intercostal length between 4th rib and 5th rib; CSWS1, corpus sterni width at first sternebra; CSWS3, corpus sterni width at third sternebra.

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  Fig. 2 Scatter plots for correlation between stature and sternum measurements.

Reference

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