Regression Equation for Estimation of
Length of Humerus from its Segments:
A South Indian Population Study
783-786
Correspondence
Dr. K. Udhaya, M.D,
Assistant professor, Department of Anatomy, 27, Chinna Agraharam, Pookadai street,
Rasipuram-637408, Tamilnadu, India.
Phone No: 98435 76700
E-mail: drudhaya77@yahoo.com
Introduction: The aim of the present study was to estimate the length of the humerus from the measurements of proximal and distal segments of humerus in South Indian population using regression equation. This becomes essential for archaeologists, anthropologists and forensic investigators, even when a fragment of bone is available. The current study was therefore focussed on proximal and distal segments of humerus and using their measurements, the length of the humerus was estimated.
Methods: A total of 170 humeri, 82 right and 88 left were used for our analysis. Maximum length of humerus, vertical and transverse diameter of proximal segment, transverse diameter and biepicondylar width of distal segment were measured using anthropometric techniques.
Results: With the measurements obtained descriptive statistics, linear regressions and regression equations for both sides were derived to estimate the length of the humerus in South Indian population. In the right humeri, multiple linear regression of vertical diameter of superior articular surface alone showed significant changes in maximum humeral length contributing up to 78%. In the left humeri, multiple linear regressions of vertical diameter of superior articular surface as well as transverse diameter of inferior articular surface showed significant changes in maximum humeral length ( P<0.01).
Conclusion: The result of our study concludes that the length of the humerus can be estimated from the measures of proximal and distal segments of humerus of both sides.