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Warrier V, Shedge R, Garg PK, Dixit SG, Krishan K, Kanchan T. Applicability of the Suchey-Brooks method for age estimation in an Indian population: A computed tomography-based exploration using Bayesian analysis and machine learning. MEDICINE, SCIENCE, AND THE LAW 2024; 64:126-137. [PMID: 37491861 DOI: 10.1177/00258024231188799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
Age estimation occupies a prominent niche in the identification process. In cases where skeletal remains present for examination, age is often estimated from markers distributed throughout the skeletal framework. Within the pelvis, the pubic symphysis constitutes one of the more commonly utilized skeletal markers for age estimation, with the Suchey-Brooks method comprising one of the more commonly employed methods for pubic symphyseal age estimation. The present study was targeted towards assessing the applicability of the Suchey-Brooks method for pubic symphyseal age estimation, an aspect largely unreported for an Indian population. In order to do so, clinically undertaken pelvic computed tomography scans of individuals were evaluated using the Suchey-Brooks method, and the error associated with the method was established using Bayesian analysis and different machine learning regression models. Amongst different supervised machine learning models, support vector regression and random forest furnished lowest error computations in both sexes. Using both Bayesian analysis and machine learning, lower error computations were observed in females, suggesting that the method demonstrates greater applicability for this sex. Inaccuracy and root mean square error obtained with Bayesian analysis and machine learning illustrates that both statistical modalities furnish comparable error computations for pubic symphyseal age estimation using the Suchey-Brooks method. However, given the numerous advantages associated with machine learning, it is recommended to use the same within medicolegal settings. Error computations obtained with the Suchey-Brooks method, regardless of the statistical modality utilized, indicate that the method should be used in amalgamation with additional markers to garner accurate estimates of age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varsha Warrier
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, India
| | - Rutwik Shedge
- School of Forensic Sciences, National Forensic Sciences University, Tripura, India
| | - Pawan Kumar Garg
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, India
| | - Shilpi Gupta Dixit
- Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, India
| | - Kewal Krishan
- Department of Anthropology, UGC Centre of Advanced Study, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | - Tanuj Kanchan
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, India
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2
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Warrier V, Shedge R, Garg PK, Dixit SG, Krishan K, Kanchan T. Applicability of the six-phase method for auricular age estimation in an Indian population: A CT-based study. MEDICINE, SCIENCE, AND THE LAW 2023:258024231206864. [PMID: 37822227 DOI: 10.1177/00258024231206864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Age estimation plays a crucial role in human identification. Amongst numerous age markers located throughout the skeletal framework, the auricular surface of the ilium presents as a resilient structure, with different methods for auricular age estimation currently in practice. Amongst these methods, the Osborne method is believed to permit accurate age estimation through its use of robust age categories and discrete phase descriptors. The present study aimed to assess the applicability of the Osborne method in an Indian population through a computed tomographic (CT) examination of the auricular surface, an aspect presently unreported. In order to do so, CT scans of 380 individuals were collected and evaluated using the Osborne method. A CT-based examination indicated that surface texture described by Osborne is difficult to appreciate through 3D CT images. Indistinct definitions associated with certain features, and the mosaic display of features within each phase further prevents applying the method effectively. Overall accuracy percentages of 99.47% and 98.90% were obtained using the method in males and females, respectively, with corresponding inaccuracy values of 10.10 years and 9.04 years. Significantly reduced accuracy percentages were obtained with alternate, more robust age brackets presented within the original study, demonstrating the limited reliability associated with the method. Inaccuracy and bias values computed for each decade indicate the relative utility of the method in aging 40-59-year-old individuals. Low accuracy percentages, high error rates and different methodological hindrances encountered within the present study illustrate the limited applicability of the Osborne method in aging an Indian population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varsha Warrier
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, India
| | - Rutwik Shedge
- School of Forensic Sciences, National Forensic Sciences University, Tripura, India
| | - Pawan Kumar Garg
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, India
| | - Shilpi Gupta Dixit
- Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, India
| | - Kewal Krishan
- Department of Anthropology, (UGC Centre of Advanced Study), Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | - Tanuj Kanchan
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, India
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3
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Forensic age estimation: comparison and validation of the Iscan method in 3D reconstructions using a surface scanner in a Spanish population. Int J Legal Med 2023; 137:773-785. [PMID: 36930377 PMCID: PMC10085965 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-023-02983-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
When investigating a death, post-mortem identification provides with results of great legal and humanitarian significance. The effectiveness of the methods used to estimate age depends on the reference population, considering variables such as sex and ancestry. The aim of this study was to validate the Iscan method to estimate age in a Spanish forensic population, comparing the estimates obtained in dry bones and 3D reconstructions created with a surface scanner. We carried out a cross-sectional study on 109 autopsied corpses (67% male), scanning the sternal end of the right fourth rib in a 3D mesh, using an EinScan-Pro® surface scanner (precision: 0.05 mm). Two observers estimated the phases in dry bones and 3D images according to the Iscan method and to the sex of the subject. The mean age was 57.73 years (SD = 19.12 years;18-93 years). The intra-observer agreement was almost perfect in bones (κ = 0.877-0.960) and 3D images (κ = 0.954), while the inter-observer agreement was almost perfect in bones (κ = 0.813) and substantial in 3D images (κ = 0.727). The correlation with the Iscan phases was very strong in bones (Rho = 0.794-0.820; p < 0.001) and strong in 3D images (Rho = 0.690-0.691; p < 0.001). Both sex-adjusted linear regression models were significant (dry bones: R2 = 0.65; SEE = ± 11.264 years; 3D images: R2 = 0.50; SEE = ± 13.537 years) from phase 4 onwards. An overestimation of age was observed in the first phases, and an underestimation in the later ones. Virtual analysis using a surface scanner in the fourth rib is a valid means of estimating age. However, the error values and confidence intervals were considerable, so the joint use of different methods and anatomical sites is recommended.
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4
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Kim J, Lee S, Choi I, Jeong Y, Woo EJ. A comparative analysis of Bayesian age-at-death estimations using three different priors and Suchey-Brooks standards. Forensic Sci Int 2022; 336:111318. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2022.111318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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5
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Schanandore JV, Wolden M, Smart N. The accuracy and reliability of the Suchey-Brooks pubic symphysis age estimation method: Systematic review and meta-analysis. J Forensic Sci 2021; 67:56-67. [PMID: 34617597 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.14911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Suchey-Brooks method has been studied many times with varying reports of accuracy and reliability. A systematic review and meta-analyses were utilized to quantitatively determine the accuracy and reliability of the Suchey-Brooks (S-B) method. A systematic search of PubMed and EBSCO health and medical databases was performed. Meta-analyses were performed to quantify the relationship between actual known age at death and the S-B method using Spearman's Rho and Pearson's r for (1) combined males and females estimates, (2) male-only estimates, and (3) female-only estimates. Overall correlation coefficient using Cohen's kappa, Spearman's Rho, and Pearson's r was also calculated to determine the interrater and intrarater reliability using the S-B method. Eighteen studies classified as moderate-to-high methodological quality met the inclusion criteria. The sample sizes were different for the combined male and female (n = 2620), male-only (n = 2602), and female-only (n = 1431) meta-analyses. The effect size of the age at death meta-analyses was large and significant for combined males and females (Spearman's Rho = 0.62; Pearson's r = 0.65), male-only (Spearman's Rho = 0.77; Pearson's r = 0.75), and female-only (Spearman's Rho = 0.71; Pearson's r = 0.71). The overall correlation coefficients of the interrater (Kappa = 0.76; Spearman's Rho = 0.73; Pearson's r = 0.80) and intrarater (Kappa = 0.81; Spearman's Rho = 0.91; Pearson's r = 0.83) reliability meta-analyses were large and significant. A significant degree of heterogeneity was present in all meta-analyses, with minimal evidence of publication bias. The meta-analyses results suggest the S-B method is highly reliable with a moderate-to-high degree of accuracy. Our results also identified sample size and accuracy differences between male and female individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mitch Wolden
- Physical Therapy Program, University of Jamestown, Fargo, North Dakota, USA.,School of Science and Technology in the Faculty of Science, Agriculture, Business and Law, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Neil Smart
- School of Science and Technology in the Faculty of Science, Agriculture, Business and Law, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia
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6
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Hall F, Forbes S, Rowbotham S, Blau S. Using
PMCT
of Individuals of Known Age to Test the Suchey–Brooks Method of Aging in Victoria, Australia. J Forensic Sci 2019; 64:1782-1787. [DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.14086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2019] [Revised: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 05/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Felicity Hall
- Faculty of Science Centre for Forensic Science University of Technology Sydney Broadway, Ultimo 2007 New South Wales Australia
| | - Shari Forbes
- Département de Chimie Biochimie et Physique Université du Québec à Trois‐Rivières, Boulevard des Forges G8Z 4M3Trois‐Rivières Québec Canada
| | - Samantha Rowbotham
- Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine/Department of Forensic Medicine Monash University Kavanagh St Southbank Victoria Australia
| | - Soren Blau
- Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine/Department of Forensic Medicine Monash University Kavanagh St Southbank Victoria Australia
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7
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Validation of the İşcan method in clinical MSCT scans specific to an Australian population. Int J Legal Med 2019; 133:1903-1913. [DOI: 10.1007/s00414-018-01992-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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8
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Adams DM, Ralston CE, Sussman RA, Heim K, Bethard JD. Impact of population-specific dental development on age estimation using dental atlases. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2018; 168:190-199. [PMID: 30515773 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.23735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2018] [Revised: 10/03/2018] [Accepted: 10/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The steady development and subsequent eruption of the dentition is particularly useful for the estimation of age in juveniles. There are few studies that examine and test methods on a population-diverse sample. Our goal is to test the Ubelaker () and London Atlas (2010) dental charts on a sample representing several different population backgrounds to infer if refinement for population-specific standards should be developed. MATERIALS AND METHODS The first and second authors examined panoramic radiographs of 335 individuals from the James K. Economides Orthodontic Collection blind to chronological age, sex, and ancestry and scored using both dental atlases. RESULTS The age of Native Americans and African Americans was generally overestimated, suggesting faster rates of development. European Americans and New Mexico Hispanics, while not always showing the highest success rates, generally were closer to the correct age than other ancestry groups. The overall success rate for Ubelaker () was 80.00% for both observers, while the London Atlas was significantly lower at approximately 21.79-23.28%. Accuracy rates did not differ significantly between ancestry groups, though patterns were evident regarding under- or over-estimation of age. DISCUSSION The present study demonstrates that incorrect age estimations were typically still within 1.5 years of the actual age. Ubelaker () had higher rates of success due to broader age ranges. The results suggest that though accuracy rates did not significantly differ, different developmental rates may affect age estimates and population-specific standards should be considered for known-ancestry individuals, while aging standards constructed from a diverse sample should be utilized for unknown-ancestry cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donovan M Adams
- Department of Anthropology, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, Nevada
| | - Claira E Ralston
- Department of Anthropology, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, Nevada
| | - Rachel A Sussman
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kelly Heim
- Department of Anthropology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
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9
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Merritt CE. Part I – Adult skeletal age estimation using CT scans of cadavers: Revision of the fourth rib methods. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jofri.2018.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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10
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Merritt CE. Part II-adult skeletal age estimation using CT scans of cadavers: Revision of the pubic symphysis methods. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jofri.2018.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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11
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Facial ageing in South African adult males. Forensic Sci Int 2018; 289:277-286. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2018.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2017] [Revised: 04/11/2018] [Accepted: 05/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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12
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Stoyanova DK, Algee-Hewitt BFB, Kim J, Slice DE. A Study on the Asymmetry of the Human Left and Right Pubic Symphyseal Surfaces Using High-Definition Data Capture and Computational Shape Methods. J Forensic Sci 2018; 64:494-501. [PMID: 30028900 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.13871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2018] [Revised: 04/29/2018] [Accepted: 06/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The pubic symphysis is among the most commonly used bilateral age indicators. Because of potential differences between right and left sides, it is necessary to investigate within-individual asymmetry, which can inflate age estimation error. This study uses 3D laser scans of paired pubic symphyses for 88 documented White males. Scan data are analyzed by numerical shape algorithms, proposed as an alternative to traditional visual assessment techniques. Results are used to quantify the within-individual asymmetry, evaluating if one side produces a better age-estimate. Relationships between the asymmetry and advanced age, weight, and stature are examined. This analysis indicates that the computational, shape-based techniques are robust to asymmetry (>80% of paired differences are within 10 years and >90% are within 15 years). For notably more asymmetric cases, differences in estimates are not associated with life history factors. Based on this study, either side can be used for age-at-death estimation by the computational methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Detelina K Stoyanova
- Department of Scientific Computing, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, 32306
| | - Bridget F B Algee-Hewitt
- Department of Scientific Computing, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, 32306.,Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305
| | - Jieun Kim
- Department of Scientific Computing, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, 32306
| | - Dennis E Slice
- Department of Scientific Computing, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, 32306.,Department of Anthropology, University of Vienna, Vienna, 1090, Austria
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13
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Rivera-Sandoval J, Monsalve T, Cattaneo C. A test of four innominate bone age assessment methods in a modern skeletal collection from Medellin, Colombia. Forensic Sci Int 2017; 282:232.e1-232.e8. [PMID: 29203231 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2017.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2017] [Revised: 11/01/2017] [Accepted: 11/02/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Studying bone collections with known data has proven to be useful in assessing reliability and accuracy of biological profile reconstruction methods used in Forensic Anthropology. Thus, it is necessary to calibrate these methods to clarify issues such as population variability and accuracy of estimations for the elderly. This work considers observations of morphological features examined by four innominate bone age assessment methods: (1) Suchey-Brooks Pubic Symphysis, (2) Lovejoy Iliac Auricular Surface, (3) Buckberry and Chamberlain Iliac Auricular Surface, and (4) Rouge-Maillart Iliac Auricular Surface and Acetabulum. This study conducted a blind test of a sample of 277 individuals from two contemporary skeletal collections from Universal and San Pedro cemeteries in Medellin, for which known pre-mortem data support the statistical analysis of results obtained using the four age assessment methods. Results from every method show tendency to increase bias and inaccuracy in relation to age, but Buckberry-Chamberlain and Rougé-Maillart's methods are the most precise for this particular Colombian population, where Buckberry-Chamberlain's is the best for analysis of older individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Rivera-Sandoval
- Departamento de Historia y Ciencias Sociales, Universidad del Norte, Barranquilla, Colombia.
| | - Timisay Monsalve
- Departamento de Antropología-FCSH, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Cristina Cattaneo
- Laboratorio di Antropologia ed Odontologia Forense (LABANOF), Istituto di Medicina Legale, Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy
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14
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Merritt CE. Inaccuracy and bias in adult skeletal age estimation: Assessing the reliability of eight methods on individuals of varying body sizes. Forensic Sci Int 2017; 275:315.e1-315.e11. [PMID: 28359575 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2017.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2017] [Revised: 03/06/2017] [Accepted: 03/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Accurate age estimations are essential for identifying human skeletal remains and narrowing missing persons searches. This study examines how BMI, body mass, and stature influence inaccuracy and bias in adult skeletal age estimations obtained using eight methods. 746 skeletons from the Hamann-Todd and William Bass Collections were used. Underweight BMI, light body mass, and short-stature individuals have the most error associated with their age estimates and are consistently under-aged between 3 to 13years. Obese BMI, heavy body mass, and tall-stature individuals are consistently over-aged between 3 to 8.5years. The most reliable methods for smaller-bodied individuals are Kunos et al. (first rib) and Buckberry-Chamberlain (auricular surface); for individuals in the average range, İşcan et al. (fourth ribs) and Passalacqua (sacrum); and for larger-bodied individuals, İşcan et al., Passalacqua, and Rougé-Maillart et al. (auricular surface and acetabulum). Lovejoy et al. (auricular surface) and Suchey-Brooks (pubic symphysis) produce consistent inaccuracy and bias scores across all body size groups. The least reliable method for smaller-bodied individuals is İşcan et al.; for larger-bodied individuals, Buckberry-Chamberlain; and across all body size groups, DiGangi et al. (first rib).
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine E Merritt
- University of Toronto, Department of Anthropology, 19 Russell Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 2S2, Canada.
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15
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Stoyanova DK, Algee-Hewitt BFB, Kim J, Slice DE. A Computational Framework for Age-at-Death Estimation from the Skeleton: Surface and Outline Analysis of 3D Laser Scans of the Adult Pubic Symphysis. J Forensic Sci 2017; 62:1434-1444. [PMID: 28244105 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.13439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2016] [Revised: 09/23/2016] [Accepted: 12/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In forensic anthropology, age-at-death estimation typically requires the macroscopic assessment of the skeletal indicator and its association with a phase or score. High subjectivity and error are the recognized disadvantages of this approach, creating a need for alternative tools that enable the objective and mathematically robust assessment of true chronological age. We describe, here, three fully computational, quantitative shape analysis methods and a combinatory approach that make use of three-dimensional laser scans of the pubic symphysis. We report a novel age-related shape measure, focusing on the changes observed in the ventral margin curvature, and refine two former methods, whose measures capture the flatness of the symphyseal surface. We show how we can decrease age-estimation error and improve prior results by combining these outline and surface measures in two multivariate regression models. The presented models produce objective age-estimates that are comparable to current practices with root-mean-square-errors between 13.7 and 16.5 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Detelina K Stoyanova
- Department of Scientific Computing, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, 32306
| | - Bridget F B Algee-Hewitt
- Department of Scientific Computing, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, 32306.,Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305.,Department of Anthropology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, 32306
| | - Jieun Kim
- Department of Scientific Computing, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, 32306.,Department of Anthropology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, 32306
| | - Dennis E Slice
- Department of Scientific Computing, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, 32306.,Department of Anthropology, University of Vienna, Vienna, 1090, Austria
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16
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Ishikawa N, Suganami H, Nishida A, Miyamori D, Kakiuchi Y, Yamada N, Wook-Cheol K, Kubo T, Ikegaya H. Utilization of bone impedance for age estimation in postmortem cases. J Forensic Leg Med 2015; 36:102-7. [PMID: 26421720 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2015.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2015] [Revised: 07/07/2015] [Accepted: 09/04/2015] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
In the field of Forensic Medicine the number of unidentified cadavers has increased due to natural disasters and international terrorism. The age estimation is very important for identification of the victims. The degree of sagittal closure is one of such age estimation methods. However it is not widely accepted as a reliable method for age estimation. In this study, we have examined whether measuring impedance value (z-values) of the sagittal suture of the skull is related to the age in men and women and discussed the possibility to use bone impedance for age estimation. Bone impedance values increased with aging and decreased after the age of 64.5. Then we compared age estimation through the conventional visual method and the proposed bone impedance measurement technique. It is suggested that the bone impedance measuring technique may be of value to forensic science as a method of age estimation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noboru Ishikawa
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, 602-8566, Japan; Department of Forensic Odontology and Anthropology, Tokyo Dental College, 101-0061, Japan
| | - Hideki Suganami
- Department of Clinical Trial Data Management, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Atsushi Nishida
- Department of Orthopedics, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, 602-8566, Japan
| | - Daisuke Miyamori
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, 602-8566, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Kakiuchi
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, 602-8566, Japan
| | - Naotake Yamada
- Department of Clinical Trial Data Management, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Kim Wook-Cheol
- Department of Orthopedics, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, 602-8566, Japan
| | - Toshikazu Kubo
- Department of Orthopedics, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, 602-8566, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Ikegaya
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, 602-8566, Japan.
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17
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Márquez-Grant N. An overview of age estimation in forensic anthropology: perspectives and practical considerations. Ann Hum Biol 2015; 42:308-22. [PMID: 26366990 DOI: 10.3109/03014460.2015.1048288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Information on methods of age estimation in physical anthropology, in particular with regard to age-at-death from human skeletal remains, is widely available in the literature. However, the practicalities and real challenges faced in forensic casework are not always highlighted. OBJECTIVES To provide a practitioner's perspective, regarding age estimation in forensic anthropology (both in the living as well as the dead), with an emphasis on the types of cases, the value of such work and its challenges and limitations. METHODS The paper reviews the current literature on age estimation with a focus on forensic anthropology, but it also brings the author's personal perspective derived from a number of forensic cases. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Although much is known about what methods to use, but not always how to apply them, little attention has been given in the literature to the real practicalities faced by forensic anthropologists, for example: the challenges in different types of scenarios; how to report age estimations; responsibilities; and ethical concerns. This paper gathers some of these aspects into one overview which includes the value of such work and the practical challenges, not necessarily with the methods themselves, but also with regard to how these are applied in the different cases where age estimation is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Márquez-Grant
- a Cranfield Forensic Institute, Cranfield University, Defence Academy of the United Kingdom , Shrivenham , UK , and.,b School of Anthropology and Museum Ethnography, University of Oxford , Oxford , UK
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