A Study on the Asymmetry of the Human Left and Right Pubic Symphyseal Surfaces Using High‐Definition Data Capture and Computational Shape Methods

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.

The computational age-at-death estimation from 3D surface models of the adult pubic symphysis using data mining methods

“…For developing the computational approach of the study of Stoyanova, they included the randomly selected left or right symphyseal surfaces of a unique individual 25 . The same research team later con rmed that there was no side asymmetry in the aging pattern; therefore, that the side of the pubic symphysis analysed by computational approaches should not affect age-at-death estimation 33 . The rate of aging of the pubic symphysis could also be in uenced by the sex of an individual.…”