Stature estimation using anthropometric measurements from computed tomography of metacarpal bones among Egyptian population

Identification of an individual is the mainstay in forensic investigation. Estimation of stature plays a significant role in establishing personal identity. A sample of 157 Egyptian subjects {82 males and 75 females} ranging from 21 to 40 years was taken. Their statures were determined. Then, multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) was done for their left hands to measure length and width of second and third metacarpal bones. Statistical analysis revealed that sex differences were found to be significant for all parameters (P ⩽ 0.05) by Student’s t-test. Pearson’s correlation was found to be statistically significant between stature and all variables for females and between stature and second metacarpal width and third metacarpal length and width for males. Linear regression equations were calculated with a standard error of estimate (SEE) ranging from ±4.53 cm to ±4.71 cm for males and from ±5.45 cm to ±5.87 cm for females. Multiple (stepwise) regression equations were also calculated resulting into one model for males and two models for females with the SEE ±4.5 cm for males and ±5.22 cm and 5.45 cm for females. Consequently, it was concluded that stature can be determined successfully using second and third metacarpals’ dimensions among Egyptians.