title: Estimation of total length of humerus from its segments.
abstract: The aim of the present study was to calculate the total length of the humerus from its segments using linear, transverse and sagittal measures. One hundred and fifty dry adult unpaired humeri of both sides and of unknown sex from South India were studied. The humeri were divided into eight segments using salient bony points and muscular markings. The length of each segment was compared with the total length. These were subjected to statistical analysis. A high degree of correlation was found between segment length and total length and hence regression equations were calculated to estimate total length of humerus from each segment. The difference in measurements of the right and left sides was insignificant; hence single equations were calculated for all 150 bones. The length of the humerus and finally the stature of the individual could be calculated fairly accurately with an error of less than 2 cm. The results were compared with similar studies on other Indian populations. Calculation of total length from longer segments is comparable with other Indian populations, but if only shorter segments are available, new equations are needed for each population.
authors: Department of Anatomy, St John's Medical College, Bangalore - 560034, India. suruchisinghal@yahoo.com
authors: Suruchi
authors: S
authors: Singhal
authors: Vani
authors: V
authors: Rao