engleski

Evaluation of different methods for skeletal age assessment in adults

Age estimation of human remains is one of the basic parameters in process of identification, and in addition it is the greatest challenge. Researchers have defined number of various techniques all of which have its advantages and limits. In our study we have compared accuracy of three established macroscopic morphological methods of determination of adult skeletal age at death using Suchey-Brooks method for pubic symphysis, Iscan method for end of the fourth rib and Lamendin method used on anterior teeth Furthermore, final conclusion on age range with narrower span was based on observers opinion. 213 individuals, of which 173 males and 40 females, recovered from Knin graveyard were examined. The identity of the remains was unknown, and was lately established using classical methods in 122 and DNA analysis in 91 cases. The age range of the examined specimen was ranging from 20 to 93 years of age. The statistical analysis was performed on the entire sample, than by sex and then by age (using age groups 20-40 years, 41-60 years and over 60 years). Every analyzed method at each age range showed higher inaccuracy when estimating age on female than on male sample. Suchey-Brooks and Lamendin method showed equally good results when analyzed on the entire sample, as well as on male and female sample separately, and Iscan method showed the least satisfying results. Taking into account the age group, all of the methods on the individuals above 60 years of age have shown considerably higher inaccuracy, and on our sample Lamendin has been the best choice for this age group. At the age group between 20 and 40 years, Iscan method has shown the best results, as opposed to many studies that have shown different results. Finally, our analysis has shown that Suchey-Brooks method is the most outstanding at the age group between 41 and 60 years of age. The presented results demonstrate that the age estimation techniques are more accurate when used on male sample rather than on female sample, as well as on younger population rather than old and that every age span has a technique that is more appropriate for use if the condition of the analyzed material allows it.

age estimation; forensic anthropology; skeletal age

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