Estimation of Stature Using Sacrum and Coccyx Computed Tomography of Libyan Population in Benghazi

Computed Tomography (CT)is a non-invasive diagnostic tool that can be used for external and internal examination without causing damage. Stature is positively correlated with long bone length and the most accurate estimates of stature are obtained when undamaged long bones of known sex and ethnic identity are available. However, it is not always possible to obtain intact long bones especially in mass disasters. This study aimed to develop equations for calculating stature from measurements of sacrum and coccyx by CT of Libyan population. Subjects and methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in Radiological center of Aljala Hospital of Benghazi and Benghazi Medical Center in Libya on 120 subjects who were divided into 60 males and 60 females.The period of the study was six months. The actual stature of subjects in study was estimated Sacral and coccygeal parameters including ASL, PSL, ASCL, PSCL, CLS, LAS, and MDB were measured using CTThen Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to assess the correlation between the actual stature of subjects in study and these CT parameters. Finally regression equations were calculated for estimation of stature from sacral and coccygeal measurements. There was high significant correlation between stature and different studied parameters except ASW. All these parameters were positively correlated with stature except MTDB that was negatively correlated with stature By simple linear regression equations, stature can be estimated from sacral and coccygeal parameters that were proven to be statistically significant with highest R2including ASCL, PSCL, CLS and LAS. There was no statistical significant difference between mean values of actual stature and the stature estimated using regression equations that proves their success. The regression equations presented in this study are useful for forensic estimation of the stature of Libyan individuals, particularly in cases where better predictors such as the long bones are not available. Stature can be estimated from sacral and coccygeal parameters that were proven to be statistically significant with highest R2 such as ASCL, PSCL, CLS and LAS. There was no statistical significant difference founded between mean values of actual stature and the stature estimated using regression equations that proves success of regression formula.