STM Article Repository

Background: Identification of victims from mutilated and disfigured human remains has always been a tedious task for Forensic experts. This problem is encountered in cases of mass disasters, explosion, and assault where body gets dismembered and identity of an individual becomes a challenge. Since, different parts of the human body grow in proportion to each other, relationship amongst them can be easily appreciated. Differentiation on the basis of sex, using foot index as a parameter, significantly contributes in identification.

Aims: The present study is performed to find relationship in foot dimensions amongst both sexes in the north Indian population.

Materials and Method: A Cross-sectional observational study was conducted on 198 subjects (99 males and 99 females) above 17 years of age in the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, HIMS, SRHU, Dehradun. The foot length and breadth were calculated with the help of a sliding vernier calliper. The data was collected, analyzed and subjected to statistical analysis using statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS).

Observations & Result: The mean value of right foot index in females and males was 39.5620 ± 2.99377 and 38.286 ± 2.86062 respectively. The mean value of left foot index in females and males was 39.1384 ± 2.21771 and 38.0241 ±2.61031 respectively. Foot Index showed a statistically significant difference between males and females as p value was found to be below 0.05.

Conclusion: Males have a longer and wider foot as compared to females. Statistically significant difference in this measurement amongst both sexes makes these foot parameters as one of the integral part of identification, thereby helping the law enforcement agencies.