Stature is an important component of biological profiles for forensic identification. In forensic situations, non- long bones might be needed for estimating stature if long bones are absent or fragmented. This study aimed to develop multiple regression model equations for stature estimation using scapula lengths in a Thai population. The sample included 200 dry scapula (100 male and 100 female) from the Osteology Research and Training Center, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai. Seven measurements were taken from the scapula for stature estimation. The results revealed that the maximum breadth of the scapula (MBS) provided the most accurate stature prediction model for the correlation coefficient and standard error of estimation (SEE) for males (r = 0.65, SEE = 5.96 cm), females (r = 0.60, SEE = 5.32 cm), and combined sexes (r = 0.79, SEE = 5.82 cm). The best multiple regression models were as follows: male stature (cm) = 75.57 + 6.42 MBS + 0.30 × the length of the glenoid fossa – superior angle (LGS), with a SEE of 5.67, female stature (cm) = 71.65 + 0.24 × the maximum height of the scapula (MHS) + 8.16 MBS – 1.02 × the maximum breadth of the glenoid fossa (MBG), with a SEE of 4.96 cm, combined sex stature (cm) = 52.61 + 0.25 MHS + 5.34 MBS + 0.25 LGS, with a SEE of 5.25 cm. This result indicates that the scapula is important in estimating the stature of skeletal remains in forensic cases, especially in a Thai population when long bones are unavailable for stature estimation.

KEY WORDS: Stature estimation; Scapula; Forensic anthropology; Thai population.

CHOMPOOPHUEN, H.; PREEDALIKIT, K.; NAVIC, P. & MAHAKKANUKRAUH, P. Stature estimation of a Thai population using the scapula. Int. J. Morphol., 42(6):1646-1652, 2024.