Application of the Suchey-Brooks Method to Three-Dimensional Imaging of the Public Symphysis

• NCJ Number: 209738
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 50 Issue: 3 Dated: May 2005 Pages: 507-512
• Author(s): Norbert Telmon M.D.; Alexa Gaston M.D.; Patricia Chemla M.D.; Anthony Blanc M.D.; Francis Joffre M.D.; Daniel Rouge M.D.
• Date Published: May 2005
• Length: 6 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study assessed the accuracy of age determination through the application of the Suchey-Brooks method to three-dimensional computed tomographic (CT) reconstructions of the pubic symphysis.

Abstract

Age determination is a major focus of forensic anthropology; many methods of age determination focus on the pubic symphysis because of its late maturation. The Suchey-Brooks method is one of the most reliable methods of analyzing the pubic symphysis. The current study compared the age determination obtained by applying the Suchey-Brooks method to three-dimensional CT reconstructions of the pubic symphysis with those obtained from direct examination of bone. Materials consisted of 7 halves of dried pubic bones and 14 symphysis with soft tissue. Bone specimens were scanned with their soft tissues in an anatomic position. Once all specimens had been scanned, the Suchey-Brooks method was applied to both the CT images and to the bone specimens. Results showed excellent agreement between the CT images and the bone specimens, especially with regard to ridges of the articular surface and delimitation of the extremities. The accuracy of the age determination did not differ markedly between the CT images and the actual bone specimens. The advantages of the CT scan are enumerated and include no bone preparation and less damage to bone material. Figures, references