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Cited by 1Forensic Anthropology and Bioarchaeology StudiesForensic Entomology and Diptera StudiesAutopsy Techniques and Outcomes

Reassessing stature estimation in modern Britain: A PMCT-based evaluation and alternative to Trotter and Gleser in forensic anthropology casework

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Siddiqui, Tooba, Zioupos, Peter, Kelly, Keiran, England, Lauren, Baldini, Elisa, Viner, Mark, Márquez-Grant, Nicholas·2026·Forensic Science International
DOI 10.1016/j.forsciint.2026.113078
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Abstract

Stature estimation is one key component of the biological profile in forensic anthropology, yet most available regression formulae are derived from non-contemporary and non-UK reference samples. This study aimed to develop and evaluate preliminary PMCT-derived regression equations for estimating cadaveric length from long-bone measurements in a contemporary East London mortuary sample, and to compare their performance with commonly used Trotter and Gleser formulae. Whole-body PMCT scans of 100 adults from the East London Forensic Centre were analysed, comprising 50 males and 50 females aged 25-97 years. Bilateral measurements of the humerus, femur, tibia, and fibula were recorded in Horos using standard osteometric definitions. Side-averaged values were used in ordinary least squares regression models, with cadaveric length as the outcome variable. Both univariate and limited multivariate models were generated for pooled and sex-specific samples, and model performance was assessed in a number of ways such as adjusted R 2 , standard error of estimate, root mean square error, mean absolute error, and cross-validation. Results indicate that lower limb variables showed the strongest associations with cadaveric length. However, the high inter-predictor correlations and VIF values indicated severe multicollinearity, meaning that the most complex multivariable models should not be interpreted biologically or treated as the strongest practical option. Instead, the findings support the use of parsimonious, sex-specific equations, with wider multivariable models presented cautiously as internally fitted models only. This study provides population-relevant PMCT-derived reference equations for a small contemporary East London forensic sample, but external validation is required before routine forensic implementation.

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Research works printed but not linked: 6

  1. Fully, 1956, Une nouvelle méthode de détermination de la taille, Anni Med. Leg., 35, 266
  2. Koulapur, 2017, Estimation of stature from middle finger length, IP Int. J. Forensic Med. Toxicol. Sci., 2, 8
  3. Arora, 2016, Prediction of stature by the measurement of lower limb length and foot length, Int. J. Med. Res. Prof., 303
  4. Bakar, 2017, Stature estimation from lower limb anthropometry using linear regression analysis: a study on the Malaysian population. Clinical, Trial, 168, e84
  5. Albanese, 2016, Do group-specific equations provide the best estimates of stature, Forensic Sci. Int., 261, 154, 10.1016/j.forsciint.2016.02.019 · DOI
  6. GBD, 2019, Lancet, 396, 1160

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Authors
Siddiqui, T., Zioupos, P., Kelly, K., England, L., Baldini, E., Viner, M., & Márquez-Grant, N.
Affiliations
  • Cranfield University (GB)
  • University of Hull (GB)
ORCID
Venue
Forensic Science International
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2026-11
Volume
388
Pages
113078
ISSN
0379-0738 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.1016/j.forsciint.2026.113078
OpenAlex
W7171774557
Semantic Scholar
178e82be4ad346204f0b5f3cab1597e9e40ce6a4
Cited by
1
References
42
Citations by year
2026: 1
FWCI
15.03
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • Forensic Science International (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Repository@Hull (Worktribe) (University of Hull) (publishedVersion, other-oa)
  • Repository@Hull (Worktribe) (University of Hull) (submittedVersion, cc-by)
  • CERES (Cranfield University) (submittedVersion, cc-by)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Arts and Humanities › Archeology › Forensic Anthropology and Bioarchaeology Studies
  • Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Insect Science › Forensic Entomology and Diptera Studies
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Imaging › Autopsy Techniques and Outcomes
Keywords
stature estimation, long bone measurements, regression equations, multicollinearity, biological profile
MeSH terms
Adult, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Body Height, Female, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Regression Analysis, Tomography, X-Ray Computed, Least-Squares Analysis, Forensic Anthropology

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