Age estimation of immature human skeletal remains from the metaphyseal and epiphyseal widths of the long bones in the post-natal period

作者：Cardoso Hugo F V^*; Vandergugten John M; Humphrey Louise T

来源：American Journal of Physical Anthropology, 2017, 162(1): 19-35.

DOI：10.1002/ajpa.23081

• classical calibration
• growth
• population differences
• regression
• secular trends

ObjectivesThis study provides regression and classical calibration models for the estimation of age from the dimensions of the metaphyses and epiphyses of the six long bones.
MethodsA sample of 148 known sex and age individuals (56 females and 92 males), aged between birth and 12 years of age, selected from Portuguese and English skeletal collections. Age estimation models were obtained separately for each sex and for the sexes combined, for the entire sample and for the sample divided into two subsamples at the age of 2 years.
ResultsThe best performing epiphysis is the proximal epiphysis of the tibia. For the metaphyses, the distal metaphysis of the tibia and the proximal metaphysis of the femur are best for individuals below and above 2 years of age, respectively. Growth of the metaphyses is similar to that of the diaphysis. Results suggest that age can be as accurately estimated from the width of the metaphyses and epiphyses as from the length of the diaphyses, or as from the length of the deciduous and permanent teeth.
ConclusionsThese models may be useful for fragmentary material in both archaeological and forensic contexts. However, due to the background of the samples, the models would be most applicable to individuals exposed to adverse environmental conditions during growth and development. Metaphyseal and epiphyseal widths may be less affected by ecological conditions than diaphyseal length.

• 出版日期2017-1