Stature estimation in white South African females

Abstract

Methods of stature estimation have been studied by many researchers to determine the height of an unknown individual from their skeletal remains. Stature is most accurately estimated using the anatomical method. This method has, however, been called into question by different researchers due to population specificity, secular trends and the use of inaccurate soft tissue correction factors. MRI scans, taken at the Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre, Radiology Department were used to assess the accuracy of the anatomical method for White South African females. The skeletal elements contributing to stature were then measured using OsiriX in order to calculate total skeletal height (TSH). Pearson’s correlation indicated that there was a strong and positive linear relationship between TSH and living stature. A paired t-test was used to assess the accuracy of the anatomical method and the soft tissue correction factor used. The paired t-test indicated that the Fully’s (1956) soft tissue correction factor, and the equation of Raxter and colleagues (2006) significantly underestimated stature by 7.1 cm and 6.1 cm respectively. Bidmos and Manger’s (2012) equation overestimates stature significantly by 8.89 cm. Brits and colleagues (2017) equation overestimated stature by a non-significant amount of 0.04 cm. In an attempt to further increase the accuracy of the anatomical method for White South Africans, a new soft tissue correction factor and equation were created.