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Comparison of Four Skeletal Methods for the Estimation of Age at Death on White and Black Adults

NCJ Number
217643
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 52 Issue: 2 Dated: March 2007 Pages: 302-307
Author(s)
Laurent Martrille M.D.; Douglas H. Ubelaker Ph.D.; Cristina Cattaneo Ph.D.; Fabienne Seguret Ph.D.; Marie Tremblay Ph.D.; Eric Baccino M.D.
Date Published
March 2007
Length
6 pages
Annotation
Using 218 American White and Black adult skeletal remains from the Terry collection, ranging in age from 25 to 90, this study assessed 4 macroscopic indicators for estimating age at death.
Abstract
Principal component analysis (PCA) was found to be the most accurate method of age estimation for both racial groups when all age groups were analyzed together. PCA involved the evaluation of inaccuracy and bias (based on median age) for each age indicator and the combination of methods. The Suchey-Brooks (SB) pubic symphysis method (the growing together of the two pubic bones) was the most accurate for young adults (25-40 years old), and the monoradicular teeth Lamendin (LM) method was the most accurate for middle adults (41-60 years old). After the age of 60, all methods were highly inaccurate, although the Iscan (IC) method for ribs gave the lowest inaccuracy. The authors advise that in order to maximize the potential of each method, the final evaluation should consider mainly the method or methods that have a lower inaccuracy for a particular age range, once the subject has been placed in a general young/old age group by means of preliminary selection with the SB or IC methods. The adult skeletal remains included in the analysis were selected to have a balanced race, sex, and age distribution. The aging methods tested were applied to each skeleton by one experienced observer. 6 tables, 2 figures, and 28 references