Stature Estimation from Regression Analysis of Craniofacial Anthropometry in an Indian Population

Background: Stature is a key biological characteristic for identifying individuals, particularly in forensic investigations. While long bones are traditionally used for stature estimation due to their strong correlation with height, craniofacial structures offer an alternative in cases where only partial remains are available, given their durability and relative preservation. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between craniofacial anthropometric parameters and stature, and to assess their usefulness for stature estimation in the Indian population. Methods: Twelve craniofacial parameters were measured and analyzed using regression analysis, the preferred statistical method for estimating stature from skeletal dimensions. The study focused on assessing the strength of correlation between these craniofacial measurements and actual stature. Results: All twelve craniofacial parameters demonstrated a positive correlation with stature, indicating their potential utility in forensic contexts where only craniofacial remains are present. Although long bones remain the gold standard, these findings provide support for the supplementary use of craniofacial data. Conclusion: Craniofacial anthropometry can serve as a reliable method for estimating stature, especially in scenarios where long bones are unavailable. This study contributes valuable data to the limited literature on this topic in the Indian population and aligns with existing global research supporting the role of craniofacial structures in forensic identification.