Abstract

Background: Stature estimation is a crucial element of forensic identification, specifically in cases involving mass disasters and unknown bodies. Establishing reliable associations between body measurements and height is essential for accurate identification. Aim: To assess the association between middle finger length and height among adults in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional research was carried out with 147 subjects (75 males and 72 females) aged 21 years and above, ensuring completion of skeletal growth with fused secondary ossification centres. The mean age was 26.82 years. Stature was recorded in centimetres, and middle finger lengths (right and left) were recorded. Results: The mean height of subjects was 162.04 ± 8.51 cm. The mean right and left middle finger lengths were 7.44 cm and 7.3 cm, respectively. A notable association was found between middle finger length and height for both hands (p < 0.0001). The right middle finger showed a slightly stronger predictive value than the left. Conclusion: Middle finger length serves as a notable and reliable predictor of height. Both right and left middle fingers can be effectively used for height estimation, making this approach valuable in forensic cases where only partial remains are available.

• 1.   K.S. Narayana Reddy Identification: The Essentials of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, 35th Edition, New Delhi. Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers, 2022, Page Nos. 61 & 62.
• 2.   Pramod Kumar G.N., Raghavendra Babu Y.P., Madhu B., Prateek Rastogi, Roopa Urs AN, Balaraj B.M. Middle finger length- A Tool for Stature Estimation. JKAMLS. 2014; 23(2): 4-8.
• 3.   Khan F., Vaswani V.R., Pramod K.L., Badiadka K.K. Estimation of height from middle finger length among college students in Mangalore. Int J Recent Trends Sci Technol. 2016; 18(3): 384-387.
• 4.   Sreenivasan M., Ahmed S.K.N. A model for stature prediction from percutaneous ulnar length in adult males of Tamil population. Medico-Legal Update. 2019; 19(1): 39-43.
• 5.   Srinivasulu K., Kulkarni A.S., Vankayala USA. Cross-sectional research on height estimation from index, middle and ring fingers in the Hyderabad, Telangana adult population. Medico Legal Update. 2022; 22(3): 9-13.
• 6.   Shivkumar A.H., Raju G.M., Vijaynath V., Prediction of height by right middle finger length of males among the South Indian population. J Pharm Sci Innov. 2013;2(1):31-33.
• 7.   Verghese A.J., Balaraj B.M., Pramod Kumar G.N. A research on estimating height from the length of fingers in Mysore. Indian J Forensic Med Toxicol. 2010; 4(2): 12-13.
• 8.   Kanchan T., Krishan K., Sharma A., Menezes R.G. Research on the association between hand and foot dimensions for personal identification in mass disasters. Forensic Sci Int. 2010; 199 (1-3): 112-116.
• 9.   Shintaku K., Furuya Y. Estimation of height based on the proximal phalangeal length of Japanese women’s hands. JUEOH. 1990; 12: 215-219.

Data Sharing Statement

Funding