Epiphyseal Union of the Cervical Vertebral Centra: Its Relationship to Skeletal Age and Maturation of Thoracic Vertebral Centra

• NCJ Number: 246248
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 58 Issue: 6 Dated: November 2013 Pages: 1568-1574
• Author(s): Midori A. Albert Ph.D.; Christopher A. Maier B.A.
• Date Published: November 2013
• Length: 7 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Grant Sponsored)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Epiphyseal union stages for cervical vertebral centra ring epiphyses were documented for 55 individuals females and males, ages 14-27 years from the Terry Collection, using the Albert and Maples method 1, to examine both its relationship to age at death and to thoracic data collected from the same individuals using the same method.

Abstract

Epiphyseal union stages for cervical vertebral centra ring epiphyses were documented for 55 individuals females and males, ages 14-27 years from the Terry Collection, using the Albert and Maples method 1, to examine both its relationship to age at death and to thoracic data collected from the same individuals using the same method. Results showed a moderate correlation between cervical ring union and age r = 0.63, p = 0.000, and a fairly low correlation between cervical and thoracic ring union r = 0.41, p = 0.002. Paired samples t-tests yielded a statistically significant difference between cervical and thoracic union mean values p = 0.01. Union progressed earlier in cervical vertebrae and in females. Results indicated fairly substantial variation in both sexes. Findings may serve as a basic guideline for estimating a general age range at death for unknown skeletal remains and to corroborate findings from other skeletal age indicators. Abstract published by arrangement with Wiley.