Forensic body height estimation by measuring unsegmented fingers of Javanese in Indonesia

Estimation of stature is important in forensic examination. It is difficult to identify the deceased when the body has been mutilated and only fragmented remains are found. Body height estimation from fingers has been useful in establishing stature approximation. The present research attempts to construct a formula from measurements of the whole fingers from proximal to distal ends. The material for the present study comprises fifty (50) Mongoloid Javanese men between the ages of 21 and 25 years. Measurement of fingers and stature are taken on each subject based on internationally recommended standard methods and techniques. This study uses Pearson correlation test, and Regression analyses to determine the body height formula. The results indicate average height of the subject is 1675.96 mm. The results of index, middle, and ring finger measurements are positively correlated (p < 0.001) with stature. There are moderate correlations—r=0.4 to 0.5, between the length of fingers and body height. It can be concluded measuring each segment of finger can provide an estimation of stature. However, measuring the intact fingers is easier and more practical and is sometimes appreciated by the victims’ families.