Testing and Developing Regression Formulae for Stature Estimation of Philippine Populations Based on Complete and Fragmented Femora

Nicole Grace H. Casing1*, John Steven D. Ablong2, Nathaniel Orillaza Jr.2, and Kimberly Anne Plomp1

Accurate stature estimates provide crucial information in forensic cases and archaeological inquiries. The regression formula for stature estimation is a widely used technique in osteoarchaeology and forensic anthropology because it applies to commingled and incomplete skeletal remains. There are currently no established regression formulae to estimate the living stature of Philippine populations. This has led to the use of non-population-specific formulae in Philippine forensic cases and archaeological studies, but these formulae can potentially result in erroneous stature estimates. Furthermore, despite the frequent occurrence of fragmented long bones in Philippine forensic and archaeological contexts, no published regression formula exists to estimate the living stature of the Philippine population from such remains. This study addresses these gaps in Philippine forensic and archaeological methods for skeletal identification. The first part of this study evaluated the accuracy and reliability of regression formulae commonly used in Philippine forensic and archaeological contexts. The second part of this study proposed new sex- and population-specific linear regression formulae for complete and fragmented femora, derived from radiographic measurements of femora from modern Philippine populations. The findings of this study will contribute to the understanding of appropriate regression formulae for estimating the living stature of skeletal remains in Philippine forensic and archaeological contexts. Most importantly, this study will be the first to propose sex- and population-specific regression formulae for estimating the living stature of individuals from fragmented femora.