Year of Award
2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Type
Master of Arts (MA)
Degree Name
Anthropology (Forensic and Biological Anthropology)
Committee Chair
Dr. Meradeth Snow
Commitee Members
Dr. Randall Skelton, Dr. James Tuttle
Keywords
Forensic anthropology, Stature estimation, Digital measurement
Subject Categories
Archaeological Anthropology | Biological and Physical Anthropology | Other Anthropology
Abstract
This study assesses the accuracy of stature estimation from tibial radiographs using digital measurements as an alternative to traditional osteometric tools. Stature estimation is crucial in forensic anthropology for identifying individuals, especially cases involving skeletal remains. Traditional methods rely on physical measurements and established regression formulas, such as those by Trotter & Gleser (1958).
This research analyzed tibial radiographs from the Forensic Anthropology Skeletal Trauma (FAST) database with ImageJ software to measure tibial lengths digitally. The sample included 59 tibiae, with measurements compared against three regression formulas; Trotter & Gleser (1958), Simon et al. (2023), and a new regression formula developed specifically for this dataset and method. Key metrics, such as correlation coefficients, mean and median errors, and standard error were used to evaluate each formula’s accuracy. Additionally, a One-way ANOVA was run to compare the means of the stature estimates produced by each formula. Tukey’s pairwise test was used to further investigate differences between individual formulas.
Results demonstrated that the new regression formula performed equally to both the Trotter & Gleser and Simon et al. formulas. The one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s pairwise test showed there was no significant difference between the three formulas. The results provide evidentiary support that the new formula emphasizes the potential of digital measurements as a reliable and alternative for stature estimation. These findings suggest that digital measurement techniques could enhance forensic anthropology by offering a practical, culturally sensitive approach to building biological profiles.
Recommended Citation
Baron, Atlantis Kae, "EVALUATING THE ACCURACY OF STATURE ESTIMATION FROM TIBIAL RADIOGRAPHS USING KNOWN AND NEWLY DEVELOPED REGRESSION FORMULAS" (2025). Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers. 12433.
https://scholarworks.umt.edu/etd/12433
Included in
Archaeological Anthropology Commons, Biological and Physical Anthropology Commons, Other Anthropology Commons
© Copyright 2025 Atlantis Kae Baron
