Work

Stature estimation based on vertical measurements of the skull using three-dimensional images from postmortem computed tomography in a Japanese population

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between cadaver stature and vertical skull measurements based on three-dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT) images, develop a stature estimation formula, and validate it in a Japanese population. The “training” and “validation” datasets consisted of 275 and 49 identified cadavers who underwent postmortem CT, respectively. Two skull measurements, the linear distances from the basion to the bregma (Basion–Bregma) and the posterior nasal spine to the bregma (PNS–Bregma), were obtained from 3D CT-reconstructed images that solely extracted cranial data. Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients assessed stature-skull correlations. Multiple regression analysis was performed to investigate the influence of the cadaver’s sex status for stature estimation. A stature estimation formula was developed based on the results of the multiple regression analysis. Validation tests were performed for each stature estimation formula. Significant correlations were observed between stature and skull measurements. The correlation coefficients were 0.790 for stature and Basion–Bregma and 0.782 for stature and PNS–Bregma. Sex status has also influenced the estimation of stature. The regression analysis-derived stature estimation formula is useful. The coefficient of determination adjusted for the degree of freedom (R*2) was 0.730, and the standard error of estimation (SEE) was 5.55 cm when using three variables: sex status, Basion–Bregma, and PNS–Bregma. The validation test exhibited high accuracy. In conclusion, vertical skull measurement obtained from 3D CT images may be helpful for forensic stature estimation in Japanese individuals, particularly in cases where better predictors, such as long bones, are unavailable.

Source: Forensic Imaging

DOI: 10.1016/j.fri.2025.200628

Authors: Shoken Suzuki, Maki Ohtani, Yuhei Matsuo, Masayuki Fukuda, Sohtaro Mimasaka

Institutions: Akita University, Tohoku University

Language: English

Topic: Forensic Anthropology and Bioarchaeology Studies

Subfield: Archeology

Field: Arts and Humanities

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,280