Estimation of Stature from Hand Length in Adult Population of Jaipur: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: Identification of individuals is a fundamental aspect of forensic medicine, especially in cases involving mutilated or decomposed remains. Stature estimation from body parts is widely used, and hand length has been shown to correlate positively with height. However, regional data for the adult population of Jaipur remains limited. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted at SMS Medical College, Jaipur, including 40 adults (20 males and 20 females) aged 20–40 years. Stature was measured using an anthropometer, and hand length was measured using a sliding vernier caliper under standardized conditions. Statistical analysis included mean, standard deviation, and correlation, with p < 0.05 considered significant. Results: The mean stature was 163.10 ± 8.56 cm. The mean right and left hand lengths were 17.00 ± 0.85 cm and 16.90 ± 0.87 cm, respectively. No significant bilateral difference was observed. A statistically significant positive correlation was found between hand length and stature (p < 0.05), indicating that hand length is a reliable predictor of stature. Discussion: The findings support previous studies demonstrating a strong correlation between hand length and stature. The absence of bilateral variation suggests either hand can be used for estimation. However, populationspecific variations necessitate regional regression models. Conclusion: Hand length is a simple, reliable, and practical parameter for estimating stature in the adult population of Jaipur, with important applications in forensic identification.