NCJ Number
182667
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 44 Issue: 5 Dated: September 1999 Pages: 931-936
Editor(s)
R. E. Gaensslen Ph.D.
Date Published
1999
Length
6 pages
Annotation
Different approaches to the estimation of age at death in mature human skeletal remains were evaluated using samples from 19 recent French autopsy individuals of known age at death.
Abstract
Methods of estimating age at death from single-rooted teeth, the sternal ends of the fourth ribs, the symphyseal face of the pubis, and femoral cortical remodeling were evaluated by two independent observers (three observers for the teeth). Comparison included ages estimated from three more comprehensive approaches using data from applying two or more of the individual methods. Results indicated that comprehensive approaches were superior to individual ones, and the success of the latter reflected not only the morphological expression of the aging process but also technique complexity and the experience of the investigator. Of the individual techniques, the Lamendin dental technique was most effective for individuals greater than 25 years of age. 15 references and 4 tables