A Research Study on Estimation of Stature from Middle Finger Length in Uttar Pradesh State

BACKGROUND Middle finger as a parameter for stature estimation has been studied extensively over the years. It has also been concluded that there is indeed a positive correlation between height and middle finger length. However, it has been stressed upon in published literature, that there is a need for population and region-specific studies for further deriving an accurate formula. Keeping this in mind, the current study was undertaken, to evaluate the relationship between stature and middle finger length in Uttar Pradesh region. METHODS A descriptive study of a total of 90 subjects, between ages of 18 and 25 years was studied in the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, HIMS, Varanasi, of which 45 were male and 45 were female. The middle finger length of both hands was measured from proximal flexion crease to the tip of middle finger, using digital vernier calliper. Data thus collected was analysed using SPSS software and a linear regression formula was calculated. The sample size estimation was done at convenience. RESULTS The middle finger length showed a highly significant correlation with height. However, it was observed that the right middle finger length (r=0.760) shows greater correlation with stature than left middle finger length (r=0.701). CONCLUSIONS The present study goes on to prove that the middle finger length can be used as a successful predictor of height of an individual with the right middle finger length being a better determinant of stature than left middle finger length in the region of Uttar Pradesh.