Regression equations for stature reconstruction from the lower limb bones of contemporary White South Africans

ABSTRACT

In 2008, Dayal and colleagues generated regression equations to estimate the total skeletal height (TSH) of White South Africans. However, the validity of these equations has been questioned. The magnetic resonance imaging scanograms of 74 White South African adults were used to assess the reliability of these equations. The physiological lengths of the femur (FEPL) and tibia (TPL) were measured from these scans and input into the appropriate equations by Dayal and colleagues to calculate TSH_D. Paired t-tests, mean differences (MD), and mean absolute differences (MAD) were used to compare TSH_D with the measured TSH (TSH_Meas) taken directly from the scanograms and ELS were compared with the measured stature (LSM) taken of participants prior to their scans. Although there were no significant differences between TSH_Meas and TSH_D for males and TSH_Meas and TSH_D(TPL) for females, all ELS_L were significantly different to LSM, and the ELS_C using the FEPL were significantly different to LSM. These significant differences and associated large MD and MAD conclude that the equations by Dayal and colleagues are no longer valid. New stature estimation equations were derived for the estimation of stature of White South Africans, characterized by strong correlations and low SEEs.

KEYWORDS:

• Living stature
• stature estimation
• forensic anthropology
• MRI scanogram
• White South Africans
• lower limb bones

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to all of the participants who underwent a MRI scan for this study. We would also like to extend our utmost thanks to the staff of the Radiology Department at the Wits-Donald Gordon Medical Centre, Dr M. Haagensen, Dr T.J. Nel Inc., Ms E. Bussy, Ms C. Gibbs, and Ms L. Benade. This work is based on research that was financially supported by the National Research Foundation (NRF) – through Thuthuka grants (80655/118149), as well as a Master’s scholarship. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations that were expressed throughout this study are solely those of the authors, and therefore, the NRF does not accept liability thereof.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the National Research Foundation (NRF) – through Thuthuka grants [80655/118149]; National Research Foundation (NRF) – Thuthuka grants [80655/118149].