Prediction of Stature using Percutaneous long bones of the Upper and Lower limbs among Asante and Ewe Ethnic Groups in Ghana
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Abstract
Introduction: Sophisticated technological advancements for the identification of people are readily available in developed countries. Meanwhile, relatively less expensive algorithms in physical anthropometry could be employed for such identification purposes. Although such evaluations have been done in some countries, due to interpopulation variations, such relations should be ethnic-and sex-specific.
Aim: Therefore, the present study sought to assess the relationship between the long bones of the upper and lower limbs among two ethnic groups in Ghana for stature estimation.
Methodology: Using a purposive non-random sampling technique, participants made up of 140 Asantes and 102 Ewes aged 20 to 25 years were recruited after an ethical approval was obtained from the Committee on Human Research, Publication and Ethics, KNUST.
Results: For the same sex, there was no statistically significant difference between Asantes and Ewes concerning height. The most useful parameters for stature estimation among the Asante males were left fibular and tibial lengths, with those of the females being left ulnar, fibular, and radial lengths. However, for the Ewe males, the most significant parameters for height estimation were right fibular and humeral lengths, whereas for the Ewe females, being right tibial and humeral lengths.
Conclusion: Findings of the study are useful for the identification of humans with dismembered body parts involved in various disasters, such as automobile accidents. The database and formulae derived would be useful for stature estimation needed in biological profiling and other assessments of bedridden patients.
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