Forensic age estimation based on the trabecular bone changes of the pelvic bone using post-mortem CT

Abstract

Villa C., Hansen M.N., Buckberry J., Cattaneo C., Lynnerup N. AbstractWe analyzed the trabecular bone changes in the pubic bone (PB) and in the auricular surface (AS) of the ilium using 319 CT scans of cadavers to estimate the age. Although the sharpness of the trabecular structure decreases in CT images when soft tissues are present, we identified four phases for the changes in PB and five in AS; a juvenile trait in PB and a senile trait in AS helped narrow the age range. High correlation with age was identified for both sexes in PB (F 0.89; M 0.75) and in AS (F 0.85; M 0.71) used independently or combined (F 0.91; M 0.78). The old adults (> 60 years) could be evaluated with better accuracy and discriminated in several phases. We found low inter-observer error and low inaccuracy (about 6 years, mean for all age ranges). The method is robust with respect to slice thickness, display window and kernel within the tested ranges.

The Use of CT Scans in Estimating Age at Death by Examining the Extent of Ectocranial Suture Closure

“…We found no statistically significant differences between group 1 (slice thickness 3 mm, slice increment 2 mm) and group 2 (slice thickness 1 mm, slice increment 1 mm. Similar results were found in Villa et al (12), where changes of thickness and other CT scan settings have no effect on the evaluation of the trabecular bone from CT images. The difference in the scans of the group 3 (slice thickness 1 mm, slice increment 0.5 mm) could not be tested due to the small sample size.…”

Evaluating osteological ageing from digital data

“…() and Villa et al. (), and the proximal epiphysis of the humerus and the femur by de Froidmont et al. ().…”

“…Most investigators evaluated the changes of trabecular architecture in bones; only Villa et al. () and Lopez‐Alcaraz et al. () used CT scanning of bodies, dead and living, respectively.…”

“…(), Villa et al. (b), and de Froidmont et al. () applied only qualitative, visual methodologies, recording stages of trabecular bone changes.…”

“…) and achieving very high correlation between age at death and trabecular changes (Villa et al. ,b). Quantitative analysis was carried out by Wade et al.…”