Auerbach-Ruff 2004 Method
Definition
A body-mass estimation method using bi-iliac (maximum pelvic) breadth combined with stature, providing an alternative proxy when the femoral head is absent or damaged. Equation: Body mass (kg) = 0.422 x bi-iliac breadth (mm) + 0.071 x stature (cm) - 69.72.
- Inputs
- Bi-iliac breadth and stature
- Formula
- 0.422 x biiliac(mm) + 0.071 x stature(cm) - 69.72
- Output
- Estimated body mass in kg
- Used when
- Femoral head absent or damaged
- Published
- Auerbach and Ruff, 2004
Common questions
Why choose this method over a femoral-head-based body mass equation?+
The femoral head method needs an intact proximal femur. When that bone is missing, fragmented or too damaged to measure, bi-iliac breadth from the pelvis provides an alternative input for the same estimate.
Does the Auerbach-Ruff equation need a population-specific version to be accurate?+
It was developed as a general equation rather than population-specific, so results carry wider uncertainty across very different body builds and should be reported with that caveat rather than as a precise figure.
Related terms
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- Maximum (Anatomical) Femur Length
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- Ruff-Scott-Walker 1997 Method
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