Human Body Surface Area: Validation of Formulae Based on a Cadaver Study

Document Type

Article

Authors

A D. Martin, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, B.C., Canada
D T. Drinkwater, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, B.C., Canada
J P. Clarys, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium

Abstract

Segmental and total body surface areas were determined by planimetry on paper tracings of the dissected skins of 9 male and 11 female cadavers. Of 9 anthropometrically based prediction formulae, 7 gave surface areas not significantly different from the values obtained by dissection. It was concluded that many formulae adequately predict body surface area and the continued use of the popular DuBois and DuBois formula is recommended.

Recommended Citation

Martin, A D.; Drinkwater, D T.; and Clarys, J P. (1984) "Human Body Surface Area: Validation of Formulae Based on a Cadaver Study," Human Biology: Vol. 56: Iss. 3, Article 8.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.wayne.edu/humbiol/vol56/iss3/8