Stature estimation in Japanese cadavers based on pelvic measurements in three-dimensional multidetector computed tomographic images

Int J Legal Med. 2015 May;129(3):633-9. doi: 10.1007/s00414-014-1000-6. Epub 2014 May 1.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the feasibility of stature estimation by measuring the pelvic bones of Japanese cadavers using three-dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT). We assessed 3D reconstructed images of 210 Japanese subjects (108 males, 102 females) who had undergone postmortem CT between May 2011 and November 2013. We defined the linear distance from the anterosuperior margin of the left and right anterior superior iliac spines (ASIS) to the posterior margin of the left and right ischial spines as the LSS and RSS, respectively. We also defined the linear distance from the anterosuperior margin of the left and right ASIS to the anteroinferior margin of the left and right ischial tuberosities as the LST and RST, respectively. The correlation between the cadaver stature (CS) and each parameter (LSS, LST, RSS, and RST) was evaluated using Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients and regression analysis was performed for stature estimation. All four parameters correlated significantly with stature independent of sex, suggesting that they can be used as a tool for stature estimation. The LST had the closest correlation with stature in both sexes.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Anthropometry / methods*
  • Autopsy / methods*
  • Body Height / physiology*
  • Female
  • Forensic Anthropology / methods
  • Humans
  • Ilium / diagnostic imaging
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / methods*
  • Imaging, Three-Dimensional / methods*
  • Ischium / diagnostic imaging
  • Japan
  • Male
  • Mathematical Computing
  • Middle Aged
  • Multidetector Computed Tomography / methods*
  • Pelvic Bones / diagnostic imaging*
  • Young Adult