Evaluation of upper extremity anthropometric measurements in terms of stature and gender estimation

The anthropometric properties of the upper extremity are important for developing alternative methods in terms of identification studies in forensic sciences. In our study, it was aimed to show the relationship of the upper extremity measurements with the gender and the size of the individual. In addition, it was aimed to develop models to determine the gender and stature of the case as an estimate in case of the forensic situations that leave anatomical parts and residues of the upper extremity to be identified. The student's universe is composed of 18-25 year old students studying at KTU Vocational School of Health Science (n=400/288 females, 112 males). Models that provided accurate predictions with high reliability among developed models were evaluated in the control group (18-25 years/over 25 years old) by using the blind method. Arm, forearm, upper extremity, hand and third finger length, palmar length, hand width, wrist width, and wrist circumference measurements of 500 healthy individuals were taken from the right and left upper extremity on the basis of anthropometric points. Arm, forearm, hand, and phalangeal index values were calculated from these measurements. The correlation of all measured values with stature was evaluated by Pearson correlation analysis. Linear regression analysis was used for the estimated length calculation. Models were developed by logistic regression analysis in gender prediction. The developed model provided valid and reliable estimates with high correlation and accuracy rates and low prediction errors. The models in our study are an example for the Turkish population in terms of identification. In addition, right and left upper limb measurements can be used by other populations with similar outcomes. These useful models can be used by the anatomist, forensic anthropologist, forensic pathologist, archaeologist and forensic researchers for identification when it is needed. We believe that it can be considered as an alternative method when economic or other difficulties are encountered in case of DNA analysis.