Prediction of anthropometric measurements from tooth length--A Dravidian study.

BACKGROUND: Anthropometric measurement is essential for identification of both victims and suspects. Often, this data is not readily available in a crime scene situation. The availability of one data set should help in predicting the other. This study was hypothesised on the basis of a correlation and geometry between the tooth length and various body measurements.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: To correlate face, palm, foot and stature measurements with tooth length. To derive a regression formula to estimate the various measurements from tooth length.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study was conducted on Dravidian dental students in the age group 18 - 25 with a sample size of 372. All of the dental and physical parameters were measured using standard anthropometric equipments and techniques.

RESULTS: The data was analysed using SPSS software and the methods used for statistical analysis were linear regression analysis and Pearson correlation. The parameters (incisor height (IH), face height (FH), palm length (PL), foot length (FL) and stature (S) showed nil to mild correlation (R = 0.2 ≤ 0.4) except for palm length (PL) and foot length (FL). (R>0.6).

CONCLUSION: It is concluded that odontometric data is not a reliable source for estimating the face height (FH), palm length (PL), foot length (FL) and stature (S).