Age estimation of immature human skeletal remains from the dimensions of the girdle bones in the postnatal period

Abstract

In the younger individuals (<2 years), age estimates based on measurements of the pelvic girdle seem to be as or more precise than those based on the length of long bones. In older individuals (≥2 years), estimates based on the measurements of the girdles are less precise than those based on the length of long bones. These age estimation formulae may be useful for fragmentary and incomplete material in archaeological and forensic contexts. The formulae are suitable for a variety of archeological populations living under adverse conditions. These conditions are similar to some "developing" countries, and hence the formulae may also be applicable to modern forensic remains from such environments.

A Reappraisal of Developing Deciduous Tooth Length as an Estimate of Age in Human Immature Skeletal Remains

“…'s formulae based on measurements of the length of the humerus, radius, ulna, femur, tibia, and fibular under the age of two years generated similar MSE ranges (female MSE range = 0.25 to 0.29 years, male MSE range = 0.23 to 0.34 years, and combined sex MSE range = 0.23 to 0.29 years). Equations derived from measurements of the length of the clavicle and several measures of the scapula generated a slightly higher range of MSE (female MSE range = 0.29 to 0.36 years, male MSE range = 0.36 to 0.47 years, and combined sex MSE range = 0.26 to 0.29 years). In another comparison, the study that generated equations based on metaphyseal and epiphyseal widths provided MSEs in a similar range to the girdle equations (female MSE range = 0.35 to 0.60 years, male MSE range = 0.34 to 0.41 years, and combined sex MSE range = 0.34 to 0.46 years).…”

“…As the study samples have also been used to generate methods of age estimation from permanent tooth lengths and measurements of the long bones and girdles , comparing the reliability of these methods with the formula represented in this study can provide useful information about choosing the most appropriate method. The study carried out by Cardoso et al.…”

“…Recent studies have also examined the use of classical calibration models on juvenile age estimation using long bone diaphyses , long bone metaphysis and epiphyses , and measurements from the shoulder and pelvic girdles . These studies had a larger sample distribution (birth up to 12 years of age) but gave the option of examining MSEs in a subsample of under 2 years old, thus providing a more appropriate comparison for the deciduous teeth.…”

“…As the study samples have also been used to generate methods of age estimation from permanent tooth lengths (19) and measurements of the long bones and girdles (23)(24)(25), comparing the reliability of these methods with the formula represented in this study can provide useful information about choosing the most appropriate method. The study carried out by Cardoso et al (19) which used classically calibrated models to estimate age from permanent dentition produced equations for the central incisor, later incisor, canine, first premolar, second premolar, first molar, second molar, and third molar.…”

Most Common Medico-Legal Autopsy-Related Human and Nonhuman Biological Samples for DNA Analysis

“…While the relatively suitable preservation of skeletal remains, including teeth, originally provided the main possibility for forensic age determination [50][51][52], the use of DNA-based molecular methods is currently being investigated [53]. Bone and teeth are the most often used human remains for performing identification using DNA analysis; but, in the case of RNA analysis, they can also be useful for determining PMI [49].…”