1. Stature Estimation

2. Overview of stature estimation from the skeleton:
I. Background
II. Methods
A. Long bone lengths
B. Fragmentary long bone lengths
C. Fully’s Anatomical Method
D. Other

3. Background
Ranges: stature is estimated as a range rather than as an exact measure due to normal human variation
Variation: body proportions vary; some people have longer limbs and shorter torsos, and some people have shorter torsos and longer limbs
Age: elderly people may have actually lost some height as vertebral disks compress with age; subadults may not be finished growing

4. I. Background
Sex differences? There are tall women and short men, just as there are tall men and short women

5. I. Background
Age: growth vs. skeletal maturity

6. I. Background
Other
Health and Nutrition
Disease effects
Lifestyle

7. I. Background Stature trivia Reported vs. actual stature
Studies have shown that a lot of people over-report their height on drivers’ licenses
Height fluctuations
Try sitting in the driver’s seat of a car in the morning and note where the rear-view mirror is; then sit in the car later in the day or at night and see if you need to adjust the mirror (we’re taller when we first wake up in the morning and shorter at the end of the day)
Perceptions
fashion may influence how tall/short people think you are

8. Methods A. Long Bone Lengths
What is done:
Maximum lengths of long bones are measured and compared to data (of known individuals)
Regression formulae also used to estimate adult stature range
Who:
Mildred Trotter and Goldine Gleser (1950’s-70’s)
Extensive stature research

9. II. Methods A. Long Bone Lengths
Measure the long bone:
Which bone(s)?
In mm
Using an osteometric board

10. II. Methods A. Long Bone Lengths
Correlate measurement with stature data:
Tables, charts, distinguished by sex and ancestry

11. II. Methods A. Long Bone Lengths
Calculate stature using regression formulae:
Example: using femur length in cm, 47.0
2.15 (f) [+/- 3.80]
f stands for the femur maximum length measurement
= cm
cm divided by 2.54 = inches, mean
= cm = inches
– 3.80 = cm = inches
Note: You will NOT have to calculate stature for the next test; however, please know the basic idea of how it is done.

12. II. Methods B. Fragmentary Long Bones
Measurements taken on specified regions of long bones, correlated to stature
Shaft areas
Points between landmarks
A bit less accurate than complete bones
Why: because the maximum length of the bone must be estimated first, then the estimated maximum length is used in to make another estimate—the overall stature of the individual.
Why and when might this method be useful?

13. II. Methods C. Fully’s Anatomical Method
G. Fully and H. Pineau (1960): This method involves estimating stature based on most bones contributing to body length
Approximate summary—total the measured heights of:
Calcaneus, talus
Tibia
Femur
Sacrum (S1: 1st segment)
Vertebrae (except C1-C2—because the posterio-inferior portion of the cranium covers this)
Cranium
Only the bones contributing to height are used

14. II. Methods C. Fully’s Anatomical Method
Why is this method reliable?
Why might this method be difficult to employ?

15. II. Methods D. Other Metacarpals Phalanges
Simply be aware that these bones have also been studied to see their relationship to a person’s height
Even though this is less accurate, when might this method be used?

16. Next: ID using Facial Characteristics
The End
Next: ID using Facial Characteristics