Morphological Indicators for Lateralising Long Bones

The orientation of the long bones (humerus, ulna, radius, femur, tibia and fibula) comes from a detailed analysis and practical training of osteological knowledge. However, depending on the condition of the bone piece, it will be necessary to resort to non-conventional anatomical indicators that allow an adequate lateralisation, in case the bony remnant is presented as a segment or fragment. In contrast to recognised authors in this field, and a detailed osteological description, criteria for the lateralisation of long bones in upper and lower limbs are detailed, in addition to the inclusion of metacarpals and metatarsals as long bones, whose application serves in forensic, archaeological and academic contexts, forming part of the procedures for human identification.