Estimation of stature from vertebral column length in South Indians

Stature is one of the essential parameters in the establishment of identity of an individual. To estimate the stature from different segments of the vertebral column, a study was done in the South Indian population. The lengths of different segments of the vertebral column were measured along the anterior surface in 72 males and 45 females. Regression formulae were deduced for each segment in both the groups. The correlation coefficient of the estimate ranged from 0.776 to 0.583 in males and 0.708 to 0.325 in females. The standard error of the estimate ranged from 4.38 to 5.65 cm in males and 4.16 to 5.58 cm in females. This method is useful to estimate the stature in cases of highly decomposed, burnt or mutilated bodies, where the long bones are not available.