Technical Note: Reliability of suchey‐brooks and buckberry‐chamberlain methods on 3D visualizations from CT and laser scans

Abstract

visualizations based on CT-scans and, for the first time, on 3D visualizations from laser scans.We examined how the bone features can be evaluated on 3D visualizations and whether the different modalities (direct observations of bones, 3D visualization from CT-scan and from laser scans) are alike to different observers. We found the best inter-observer agreement for the bones versus 3D visualizations, with the highest values for the auricular surface. Between the 3D modalities, less variability was obtained for the 3D laser visualizations. Fair interobserver agreement was obtained in the evaluation of the pubic bone in all modalities. In 3Dvisualizations of the auricular surfaces, transverse organization and apical changes could be evaluated, although with high inter-observer variability; micro-, macroporosity and surface texture were very difficult to score. In conclusion, these methods were developed for dry bones, where they perform best. The Suchey-Brooks method can be applied on 3Dvisualizations from CT or laser, but with less accuracy than on dry bone. The BuckberryChamberlain method should be modified before application on 3D visualizations. Future investigation should focus on a different approach and different features: 3D laser scans could be analyzed with mathematical approaches and sub-surface features should be explored on CT-scans.Villa C., Buckberry J., Cattaneo C., Lynnerup N. 2013.

Evaluating osteological ageing from digital data

“…Finally, the studies (Villa et al. ; Wink, ) also reported a greater variability among the observers than those found in Telmon et al. study.…”

“…() and Villa et al. () highlighted the importance of the experience in evaluating digital images and the importance of using correct scanning parameters for obtaining an accurate 3D model. Finally, the studies (Villa et al.…”

The effect of factors other than age upon skeletal age indicators in the adult

“…Background documentation on relevant factors for individuals is likely more plentiful and more reliable, facilitating better controlled studies. High resolution CT scanning offers sufficient resolution for application of cranial suture closure (Harth et al, 2010), sternal rib end (Dedouit et al, 2008) and pubic symphysial (Lottering et al, 2014;Telmon et al, 2005) methods, although visualizing the more subtle alterations at the auricular surface has, thus far, proven problematic (Barrier et al, 2009;Villa et al, 2013). High resolution CT would potentially enable study of age indicators in autopsy specimens and in living individuals.…”

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

“…Conversely, it has been suggested that 3D visualization of the bones could be generated from CT scans and the methods could then be applied to them, but their Villa C., Hansen M.N., Buckberry J., Cattaneo C., Lynnerup N. 2013. Forensic age estimation based on the trabecular bone changes of the pelvic bone using post-mortem CT. Forensic Science International 233(1-3):393-402. l application is unreliable: some papers report good agreement between the modalities [6], others suggest using the methods developed on dry bones with caution and refer to reduce accuracy [7,8] [8].…”