Odontometric and Skull Anthropometric Parameters as a Forensic Tool in Stature Estimation: A Cross-sectional Analysis

Background: The aim of the study was to evaluate the relation between height of an individual with the circumference of skull and combined mesiodistal width (CMDW) of the permanent maxillary anterior teeth in forensic and medicolegal investigations. Materials and methods: In this study, 100 persons were evaluated. Mesiodistal widths of the permanent maxillary anterior teeth and height and circumference of the skull were measured. Linear regression analysis was used for the known heights of the combined data and data for males and females against the odontometric and anthropometric variables. Results: Highly significant correlation was observed between height and other parameters for combined data and data for males. There was statistically significant difference between equation relating height to the CMDW of the maxillary anterior teeth and equation relating height to head circumference. Conclusion: It can be stated that the skull with teeth may provide accurate clues to stature from an individual’s fragmentary remains and thus provide a reliable method of estimation of height from skeletal remains during forensic investigations. Clinical significance: Odontometric parameters along with regression equations may be used as a supplementary approach for stature estimation, especially in situations of unavailability of extremities. In the advancement of field of forensic odontology, skull anthropometry including maxillary extent, mesiodistal dimension of anteriors, and circumference of the skull are beneficial for stature estimation. ORIGINAL RESEARCH 1Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Government Dental College & Hospital, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India 2Department of Dentistry, Indira Gandhi Government Medical College & Hospital, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India 3Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Mahatma Gandhi Vidyamandir’s Karmaveer Bhausaheb Hiray Dental College & Hospital, Nashik, Maharashtra, India 4,5Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Dr. D.Y. Patil Dental College & Hospital, Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune Maharashtra, India 6Department of Orthodontics, Swargiya Dadasaheb Kalmegh Smruti Dental College & Hospital, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India 7Division of Oral Pathology, Department of Maxillofacial Surgery and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Dentistry, Jazan University Jazan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Corresponding Author: Sachin Sarode, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Dr. D.Y. Patil Dental College & Hospital, Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune, Maharashtra, India Phone: +919922491465, e-mail: [email protected] 10.5005/jp-journals-10015-1438