NCJ Number
198072
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 47 Issue: 6 Dated: November 2002 Pages: 1203-1209
Editor(s)
Michael A. Peat Ph.D.
Date Published
November 2002
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This preliminary study examined a new technique that allows for direct visualization of variability of the pattern of aging on the human skeleton through the observation of morphological changes of the current indicators: pubic symphysis and auricular surface of the ilium.
Abstract
A prerequisite for forensic identification and paleoanthropological studies is the accurate estimation of age at death. However, methods for estimating the age of adult skeletons is still a continually developing area in the fields of forensics and physical anthropology. Methods in forensic sciences are more often based on specific population standards, and the variability between individuals within the same population is often underestimated. Understanding methodology limitations, a new scoring system was developed for the auricular surface of the ilium and the pubic symphysis. To address large variability, this study examined reference samples from Europe, North America, Africa, and Asia. This new scoring system proposes an alternative application to the initial methods of age-at-death based on morphological changes of the auricular surface of the ilium and the pubic symphysis indicators. In order to classify specimens in age range categories, the data were processed using Bayesian prediction. This study demonstrated that it was possible to reduce most of the bias. The use of Bayesian prediction seems to aid in advancing aging techniques. It allows for a reliable classification by chronological intervals. The identification of reliable intervals for each individual represents crucial information for both forensic and physical anthropology topics. Tables and references