Aging The Skeleton

Question 1

What is age estimation useful for/limitations

Answer 1

Missing persons, asylum seekers, sexual abuse etc, chronological age is not the same as biological age, aging is affected by environment (health, nutrition, genetics, mechanical wear, stressors), broad outcome, easier in children

Question 2

What are the stages of aging

Answer 2

Neonatal, Infancy, childhood, juvenile, adolescent, adulthood defined when development is complete

Question 3

What are the ways to estimate age in sub adults

Answer 3

Dental development, Long bone measurements and Epiphyseal fusion (Fusion on bone ends)

Question 4

What are the ways to age Adults

Answer 4

Pubic symphysis and auricular surface on the pelvis
The sternal end of the 4th rib
Cranial and maxillary palate sutures can also be used but not as reliable
Teeth but also not as reliable

Question 5

Briefly explain the pubic symphysis

Answer 5

This is a good method but does not always survive. Big differences between young and old. Young is bumpy and not well defined where as old is defined but dipped and potentially extra bone

Question 6

Which method do we use for the pubic symphysis

Answer 6

Suchey-Brooks 1990. 6 phases, big age ranges, needs more to define age

Question 7

Briefly explain the Auricular surface

Answer 7

Found between the sacrum and the illium. Smooth but with billows when young becomes jagged, irregular and holes when older

Question 8

Which method do we use to age the auricular surface

Answer 8

Lovejoy et al 1985. 8 phases often overlap but smaller age brackets

Question 9

Briefly explain the 4th rib

Answer 9

The cartilage here has age related changes, articular surface on sternal end shows the most change, in the young its smooth uniform and rounded but bumpy and irregular when old