Stature estimation based on the mandibular bone measurements using three-dimensional images from postmortem computed tomography in a Japanese population

Abstract

We aimed to evaluate the correlation between cadaver stature and mandibular bone measurements using three-dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT) images and develop a stature estimation formula for a Japanese population. In total, 307 and 72 identified cadavers who underwent postmortem CT were selected as the "training" and "validation" datasets, respectively, to derive a stature estimation formula. Four mandibular bone measurements (linear distances between the bilateral mandibular condyles: C-C, from the mental spine to the mandibular condyle: S-C, between the bilateral mandibular foramen: F-F, and from the mental spine to the mandibular foramen: S-F) were obtained from 3D CT-reconstructed images that included only the mandibular bone. Correlations between stature and each of the mandibular bone measurements were assessed using Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients. Multiple stepwise regression analyses (including and excluding sex status) were performed using all measurements to develop the stature estimation formula, and its accuracy was validated. Significant correlations were observed between the mandibular bone measurements and stature. The correlation coefficients were 0.668, 0.699, 0.705, and 0.669 for C-C, S-C, F-F, and S-F, respectively. R² was 0.660 and 0.615, and the standard error of estimation (SEE) was 6.13 and 6.53 cm for including and excluding sex status, respectively. The validation test confirmed its accuracy. In conclusion, mandibular bone measurements based on 3D CT images may be useful for stature estimation in Japanese individuals in forensic investigations, particularly in cases where better predictors, such as long bones, are unavailable.

Keywords: Mandibular bone; Mandibular condyle; Mandibular foramen; Mental spine; Postmortem computed tomography; Stature estimation.