Anat Cell Biol.  2019 Jun;52(2):149-160. 10.5115/acb.2019.52.2.149.

Age estimation equations using vertebral osteophyte formation in a Thai population: comparison and modified osteophyte scoring method

• Praneatpolgrang S
• Prasitwattanaseree S
• Mahakkanukrauh P

• KMID: 2451219
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5115/acb.2019.52.2.149

Abstract

Age estimation from skeletal remains is an important step in forensic biological identification. The main objective of this study is to develop an age estimation equation for the Thai population from vertebral osteophytes. Each vertebra in the cervical, thoracic and lumbar segments was scored for degree of osteophyte formation. Classification was carried out in accordance with the criteria established by Snodgrass and Watanabe, and used a new modified score of the length of vertebral osteophyte for age estimation. The sample included 400 individuals (262 males, 138 females) ranging in age from 22 to 97 years. A sample of Thai vertebral columns was used, the columns being divided into the following groups of vertebrae: cervical (C2-C7), thoracic (T1-T12), and lumbar (L1-L5). Each vertebra was scored for the degree of osteophyte formation and the accumulated data was analyzed statistically. Correlation coefficients and R-squared from mean in lumbar vertebrae for females of criteria established by the method of Snodgrass and Watanabe, the new modified score by length of vertebral osteophytes were 0.801 and 0.642 (P<0.01); 0.755 and 0.57 (P<0.01); 0.786 and 0.618 (P<0.01), respectively. This study presents all 23 subcategories (C2-L5) of the vertebrae to apply in real situations, showing all age estimation equations for males, females and combined sexes of unknown sex. One application of this study is age estimation when dealing with forensic cases in the Thai population.

Keyword

Forensic science; Forensic anthropology; Vertebral osteophytes; Age estimation; Thailand

MeSH Terms

Asian Continental Ancestry Group*
Classification
Female
Forensic Anthropology
Forensic Sciences
Humans
Lumbar Vertebrae
Male
Methods
Osteophyte*
Research Design*
Spine
Thailand

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Position of osteophyte formation at the superior and inferior margins of the vertebral body.

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  Fig. 2 Praneatpolgrang scoring method. Osteophyte expression can vary considerably within each vertebra, the maximum expression was recorded. Measurement of the length (mm) in the maximum expression by the new modified score by length of vertebral osteophytes: 0, no rugged surface; 1, rugged surface prominent by less than 2 mm in length; 2, rugged surface prominent between 2 and 4.99 mm in length; 3, rugged surface prominent between 5 and 8 mm in length; 4, rugged surface prominent by more than 8 mm in length; and 5, fusion of adjacent vertebrae. Images represent maximum length in the oblique direction (A), vertical direction (B), and horizontal direction (C), respectively.

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