Age estimation- Axial Flashcards
As we age ossification of the costal cartilage occurs in a ventral direction. This can occur in two ways:
Morphological alteration of the ventral/sternal rib end
Direct ossification of the costal cartilages
Işcan et al. (1984) described three components of age related change at the sternal end of the fourth rib in white male individuals. What are these components?
Pit depth
Pit shape
Rim and wall configuration
(44-85):
The pit is very deep and widely U-shaped. In some cases the floor of the pit is absent or filled with bony projections. The walls are extremely thin, fragile, and brittle with sharp, highly irregular edges and bony projections. The bone is very lightweight, thin, brittle, friable, and porous. “Window” formation is sometimes seen in the walls.
Is this phase 1, 4 or 8?
Phase 8
(<17):
The articular surface is flat or billowy with a regular rim and rounded edges. The bone is smooth, firm and very solid.
Is this phase 0, 2 or 7?
Phase 0
(19-33):
The deepening pit has taken on a narrow to moderately U-shape. Walls are still fairly thick with rounded edges. Some scalloping may still be present but the rim is becoming more irregular. The bone is still quite firm and solid.
Is this phase 0, 3 or 6?
Phase 3
(44-85):
The pit is deep with a wide to very wide U-shape. The walls are thin and fragile with sharp, irregular edges and bony projections. The bone is light in weight and brittle with significant deterioration in quality and obvious porosity
Is this phase 2,5 or 7?
Phase 7
(22-35):
Pit depth is increasing, but the shape is still a narrow to moderately wide U. The walls are thinner, but edges remain rounded. The rim is more irregular with no uniform scalloping pattern remaining. There is some decrease in the weight and firmness of the bone, however, the overall quality of the bone is still good.
Is this phase 1,4 or 8?
Phase 4
(17-18):
There is a beginning amorphous indentation in the articular surface, but billowing may still be present. The rim is rounded and regular. In some cases scallops may start to appear at the edges. The bone is firm, smooth and solid.
Is this phase 0, 1 or 6
Phase 1
(32-71):
The pit is noticeably deep with a wide U-shape. The walls are thin with sharp edges. The rim is irregular and exhibits some rather long bony projections that are frequently more pronounced at the superior and inferior borders. The bone is noticeably lighter in weight, thinner, and more porous, especially inside the pit.
Is this phase 0,1 or 6
Phase 6
(18-25):
The pit is now deeper and has assumed a V-shaped appearance formed by anterior and posterior walls. The walls are thick and smooth with a scalloped or slightly wavy rim with rounded edges. The bone is firm and solid.
Is this phase 2, 4 or 7
Phase 2
(28-52):
There is little change in pit depth, but the shape in this phase is predominantly a moderately wide U. Walls show further thinning and the edges are becoming sharp. Irregularity is increasing in the rim. Scalloping pattern is completely gone and has been replaced with irregular bony projections. The condition of the bone is fairly good, however, there are some signs of deterioration with evidence of porosity and loss of density.
Is this phase 0, 5 or 7
Phase 5
Centrum (when unfused) 2 demi-arches are the three _______ _______ ________?
main ossification centers
Fusion of vertebral column useful for age estimation
~2 By 7 years: neural arch fuses to body
years: neural arch fuses
True or false
True
Osteophytes, fusion of vertebrae and other degenerative processes are not of help with adult aging. True or false.
False
