NCJ Number
246860
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 59 Issue: 3 Dated: May 2014 Pages: 763-768
Date Published
May 2014
Length
6 pages
Annotation
Dentin translucency measurement is an easy yet relatively accurate approach to postmortem age estimation.
Abstract
Dentin translucency measurement is an easy yet relatively accurate approach to postmortem age estimation. Translucency area represents a two-dimensional change and may reflect age variations better than length. Manually measuring area is challenging and this paper proposes a new digital method using commercially available computer hardware and software. Area and length were measured on 100 tooth sections age range, 19-82 years of 250 um thickness. Regression analysis revealed lower standard error of estimate and higher correlation with age for length than for area R = 0.62 vs. 0.60. However, test of regression formulae on a control sample n = 33, 21¨C85 years showed smaller mean absolute difference 8.3 vs. 8.8 years and greater frequency of smaller errors 73% vs. 67% age estimates <_+_10 years for area than for length. These suggest that digital area measurements of root translucency may be used as an alternative to length in forensic age estimation. Abstract published by arrangement with Wiley.