Regression equations for the estimation of radial length from its morphometry in South‑West Nigerian population

Abstract

Background to the Study: Where natural or man‑made disasters present bone fragments as it occur in forensic cases, regression equations derived from measurement of these bones fragments have been used to determine the length of the intact long bone. This study reports on the morphometry of the radius and the estimation of its length using regression equations in a Nigerian population.

Methods: The maximum length of the radius was measured using an osteometric board. The distal breadth, sagittal diameter at mid‑shaft, transverse diameter at mid‑shaft (TDM), vertical radial head height (VRHH), maximum head diameter (Max. HD), and minimum head diameter (Min. HD) were measured using digital vernier caliper while the circumference of the radial head and the circumference at the radial tuberosity were measured using an anthropometric tape. Pearson correlation and Persian regression were used to derive the liner regression equations for the measured parameters that showed a correlation with the length of the radius.

Result: Estimation of the length of the radius from the measures of Max. HD, VRHH, and TDM were archived with relative accuracy. In deriving regression equations for the length of the radius of the right and left sides, irrespective of sides, the Max. HD and TDM were both significant in estimating the length of the radius; on the right side only the Max. HD exhibited significant correlation while on the left side, both the Max. HD and VRHH exhibited significant correlation.

Conclusion: These findings may help in anthropometric, forensic, and archaeological investigation for the estimation of the stature of the remains of unknown bodies using regression equations and could serve as the basis of comparison for future studies in a Nigerian population.

Keywords: Morphometry, Nigeria, radial length, regression