Pearson's formula for estimation of stature from long bones requires measurement of which bone, and in which gender does it provide the MOST accurate stature estimation?
- A Femur; accuracy is equal in males and females
- B Humerus; most accurate in females
- C Femur and tibia (fibula); generally provides best accuracy in males with available population-specific regression equations ✓
- D Radius alone; femur provides poor correlation
Explanation
Pearson (1899) originally described regression equations for stature estimation using long bone lengths (femur, tibia, fibula, humerus, radius, ulna), with femur and tibia being the most reliable predictors due to their direct contribution to standing height. Modern forensic practice uses population-specific regression equations (Indian data: Singh & Sodhi, Trotter & Gleser for different populations). The femur-tibia combination provides the best accuracy because it accounts for the lower limb directly. Male regression equations are generally more accurate because male skeletal variation is better characterized in most reference databases; female equations introduce more error due to greater biological variation in limb proportions. The radius (D) has the poorest correlation with stature among long bones.
Reference: The Essentials of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology (Narayan Reddy), 34th ed.
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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.