Estimating Adult Stature Using Metatarsal Length in the Korean Population: A Cadaveric Study

Abstract

This study aims to propose a regression equation for estimating stature in the Korean population using metatarsal bones from cadavers and to validate the appropriateness of the Korean-specific equation by comparing it to equations from other populations. A total of 81 adult formalin-fixed cadavers (51 males and 30 females) were evaluated. The first and second metatarsal bones’ physiological and maximal lengths were measured, and the cadaveric stature of the subjects was determined as the distance from the vertex to the plantar face of the heel. In all measurements, the correlation coefficient between real stature and metatarsal length was statistically significant (p < 0.001). Additionally, both sexes showed a correlation between stature and metatarsal bone length. For unknown sex, M1 (first metatarsal maximal length) showed the strongest association between stature and metatarsal length. The following is the appropriate regression equation: 1172.4913 + 7.3275M1 (R = 0.703). The current equation demonstrated a statistically significant appropriateness for the Korean population when compared to equations for other populations (p < 0.001). In conclusion, we proposed a Korean-specific regression equation for estimating stature using metatarsal length, and this formula may be more appropriate and useful in forensic science for the Korean population.