Femoral Length Reconstruction in Adults: An Osteometric and Radiographical Approach Using Regression Equations

The increase in extremist mass killings and fatal automobile crash has greatly multiplied the rate at which forensic anatomists and anthropologists are faced with dismembered and mixed up body remains. This study was undertaken to reconstruct femoral length from its landmarks using radiological and anthropometric parameters. 600 bones and 600 radiographs were measured using an anthropometric board, an anthropometric tape and digital caliper and on the radiograph, a transparent ruler was used. The femoral maximum length; femoral proximal breadth; anterior posterior neck diameter; vertical head diameter; medial-lateral subtrochanteric diameter with gluteal tuberosity; subtrochanteric circumference with gluteal tuberosity; anterior-posterior subtrochanteric diameter with gluteal tuberosity; anterior-posterior diameter at mid-shaft; mediallateral mid-shaft diameter; femoral mid-shaft circumference; femoral epicondylar breadth and femoral bicondylar breadth were measured. No significant difference in the mean value was found between bones and radiographs although males showed higher mean length compared to females. Best predictors of length were femur proximal breath and vertical head diameter.

Author(s): Sunday Elijah, Akpan Ekanem, Aniekan Peter

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