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Analysis of Age-at-Death Estimation Using Data From a New, Modern Autopsy Sample-Part II: Sternal End of the Fourth Rib

NCJ Number
232558
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 55 Issue: 5 Dated: September 2010 Pages: 1152-1156
Author(s)
Kristen M. Hartnett, Ph.D.
Date Published
September 2010
Length
5 pages
Annotation

This research tests the accuracy of age-at-death estimation from the sternal end of the fourth rib.

Abstract

Age was estimated using the Iscan and Loth casts and written descriptions. The correlation results indicate that there are significant differences in the observed versus actual ages (r = 0.75329, p less than 0.001) and that there are significant interobserver differences. Intraobserver tests showed that no significant differences were found within observers. Results of the rib end analysis compared to the results from the pubic symphyses suggest that the rib performs better than the pubic symphysis in age estimation. The rib ends were sorted based on morphology without prior knowledge of age. Summary statistics were calculated for each new phase, and descriptions were created. A variant form of the rib end was described, and the previously understated feature of bone quality was emphasized. (Published Abstract)

Grant Number(s)
7284
Sponsoring Agency
Forensic Sciences Foundation
Address

410 North 21st Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80904, United States

Wenner-Gren Foundation for Anthropological Research
Address

14 East 71st Street, New York, NY 10021, United States

Ellis R. Kerley Forensic Sciences Foundation
Address

2451 Cumberland Parkway, Suite 3339, Atlanta, GA 30339, United States

Publication Format
Article
Publication Type
Report (Study/Research)
Language
English
Country
United States of America
Note

Presented at the 59th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, February 22, 2007, in San Antonio, TX.