Hand bones can provide forensic anthropologists with important information about the deceased, including:

• Identification of the individual : Radiographic comparison of hand bones (such as metacarpals and phalanges) with antemortem X-rays can help make positive identifications due to unique bone morphology, trabecular patterns, and distinctive features. Experienced forensic anthropologists have demonstrated high accuracy (up to 100%) in matching postmortem hand radiographs to antemortem images

• Biological profile details : Hand bones can assist in estimating the sex and stature of the deceased through morphological features and regression formulas developed from bone measurements. Sex determination accuracy using hand bones can exceed 75-80%

• Clues about the deceased’s life and work : Wear patterns and bony ridges on hand bones can indicate repetitive activities or occupational stresses, revealing the primary work performed by the individual (e.g., manual labor, craftsmanship)

• Evidence of trauma or health history : Fractures or healed injuries in hand bones may suggest past violence or accidents. The presence of orthopedic implants or signs of bone disease can also be detected

• Circumstances of death : Analysis of peri-mortem trauma to hand bones can help determine the cause or manner of death, distinguishing injuries inflicted around the time of death from postmortem damage

In summary, hand bones are valuable in forensic investigations for identifying the deceased, estimating biological characteristics, understanding life history and occupation, and analyzing trauma related to death circumstances