Estimation of Stature from Facial Parameters in Central Indian Population

Abstract

Background: Stature estimation is a critical tool in forensic investigations, particularly when only fragmentary remains are available. Facial anthropometry offers a potential supplementary approach, but population-specific data are limited in Central India. Objective: To assess the correlation between selected facial parameters and stature in a Central Indian adult population and to derive regression equations for forensic application. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 320 healthy adults (170 males, 150 females) aged ≥18 years from Central India. Stature was measured using a standard steel tape, and facial dimensions—including total and lower facial height, nasal height and width, bizygomatic and bigonial width, and inter- and bi-orbital widths—were recorded with a digital vernier caliper. Correlation analysis and regression modeling were performed to evaluate predictive accuracy. Results: Males exhibited significantly greater stature and facial dimensions than females (P < 0.001). Total Facial Height (TFH) showed the strongest correlation with stature in both sexes (r ≈ 0.41–0.46; SEE ≈ 5.9–6.1 cm), followed by Lower Facial Height in males. Transverse facial parameters showed weaker or inconsistent correlations. Regression equations derived from TFH accurately estimated mean stature across sexes and religious subgroups. Conclusion: Total Facial Height is the most reliable predictor of stature in Central Indian adults. Facial anthropometry can serve as a supplementary tool for stature estimation in forensic contexts where only cephalofacial remains are available. The derived regression equations provide population-specific standards to improve accuracy in medico-legal investigations.