Predicting Stature from Measurement of Percutaneous Length of Index and Ring Finger in a South Indian Population of Ammapettai, Tamil Nadu: An Anthropometric Analysis

Stature estimation remains a cornerstone in the domain of forensic identification, particularly in scenarios involving fragmented or incomplete human remains. Conventional techniques often rely on long bones for height estimation. However, when such skeletal elements are unavailable, smaller body parts such as fingers offer a potential alternative. The index and ring fingers, owing to their relative ease of measurement and preservation, have garnered attention in anthropometric research. This study investigates the relationship between the percutaneous lengths of the index and ring fingers and the overall stature of individuals in a rural South Indian population. To assess the correlation between finger lengths and stature, and to develop sex-specific regression models for height estimation based on index and ring finger measurements among adults in Ammapettai, Tamil Nadu. This cross-sectional study included 441 participants (males and females aged 18–60 years). Stature was measured using a standard stadiometer, and finger lengths were measured with a vernier caliper. In females, a significant positive correlation was observed between stature and finger lengths, particularly the right index and left ring fingers ( R ² = 0.889, p < .001). Conversely, males expressed weak and statistically insignificant correlations ( R ² = 0.017, p > .05). Regression equations for females demonstrated high accuracy, while those for males lacked predictive reliability. Finger length serves as a strong anthropometric predictor of stature in South Indian females, supporting the creation of gender and population-specific models for forensic applications. Though the method appears ineffective for male height estimation in this population group.