Estimation of Body Stature Using the Percutaneous Length of Ulna of an Individual

Objective To explore the association between the percutaneous length of ulna and height of that individual and to formulate a gender-specific formula. Methods This is a cross-sectional study conducted at the Nishtar Medical University, Multan from May 1 2019 to July 1 2019. Length of ulna and body height were measured for 100 participants, including an equal number of males and females. Means of age, length of ulna and body height were compared between both genders. Regression coefficient, Pearson correlation coefficient and constant were calculated and regression formulae were formed for calculating height from length of the ulna for males, females, and the whole study group, separately. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences; version 23 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL); p≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results Pearson correlation coefficient, regression coefficient, constant were statistically significant for males, females, and the whole study group (p<0.001). Regression equations that were devised after analyzing the data to estimate the stature from ulna length are as follows: for the whole study group: 42.830+4.671 (length of ulna); for males: 70.369+3.698 (length of ulna); for females: 18.562+5.617 (length of ulna). Conclusion The length of ulna provides a reliable and relatively accurate means for estimating an individual’s height. Regression formulae devised will be of practical use for forensic scientists, anthropologists, archeologists, clinicians and anatomists for estimating the stature from the length of the ulna.