Estimation of Stature from the Lengths of the Index Finger and Thumb in a Rural Government Medical College and Hospital in Maharashtrian Population

Estimation of stature is an essential aspect of forensic identification and anthropological assessment. In medicolegal investigations involving unknown individuals, decomposed bodies, or fragmentary human remains, the determination of stature provides valuable corroborative evidence for personal identification. Although stature is commonly assessed using long bones, alternative parameters become necessary when only partial remains are available. Hand dimensions, particularly finger lengths, have shown a reliable association with stature. However, limited studies have explored the relationship between index finger and thumb length with stature, especially in specific regional populations. The present study aims to evaluate this relationship and derive regression equations applicable to the Maharashtrian population. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the department of forensic medicine in a rural government medical college and hospital in Maharashtra from June 2021 to July 2021. The study population included 150 undergraduate medical students (82 males and 68 females) aged 18–25 years of age. The data obtained was analyzed statistically to establish the relationship between a person’s index and thumb finger length and stature. Simple linear regression was calculated to predict height (calculated height) based on index finger and thumb measurements. The test revealed that there was no significant difference between observed and calculated height of both male and female students ( p < .05). Based on the present study it can be concluded that the lengths of the thumb and index finger can be used as reliable parameters in reconstructing the stature of an individual.