title: Accuracy and sampling error of two age estimation techniques using rib histomorphometry on a modern sample.
abstract: Most age estimation methods are proven problematic when applied in highly fragmented skeletal remains. Rib histomorphometry is advantageous in such cases; yet it is vital to test and revise existing techniques particularly when used in legal settings (Crowder and Rosella, 2007). This study tested Stout & Paine (1992) and Stout et al. (1994) histological age estimation methods on a Modern Greek sample using different sampling sites. Six left 4th ribs of known age and sex were selected from a modern skeletal collection. Each rib was cut into three equal segments. Two thin sections were acquired from each segment. A total of 36 thin sections were prepared and analysed. Four variables (cortical area, intact and fragmented osteon density and osteon population density) were calculated for each section and age was estimated according to Stout & Paine (1992) and Stout et al. (1994). The results showed that both methods produced a systemic underestimation of the individuals (to a maximum of 43 years) although a general improvement in accuracy levels was observed when applying the Stout et al. (1994) formula. There is an increase of error rates with increasing age with the oldest individual showing extreme differences between real age and estimated age. Comparison of the different sampling sites showed small differences between the estimated ages suggesting that any fragment of the rib could be used without introducing significant error. Yet, a larger sample should be used to confirm these results.
authors.affiliation: Edinburgh Unit for Forensic Anthropology, School of History, Classics and Archaeology, University of Edinburgh, 4 Teviot Place, EH8 9AG, Edinburgh, UK. Electronic address: julietagomezgd@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Julieta G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: García-Donas
authors.affiliation: Edinburgh Unit for Forensic Anthropology, School of History, Classics and Archaeology, University of Edinburgh, 4 Teviot Place, EH8 9AG, Edinburgh, UK.
authors.forename: Jeffrey
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Dyke
authors.affiliation: Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Social Work, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, USA.
authors.forename: Robert R
authors.initials: RR
authors.lastname: Paine
authors.affiliation: Edinburgh Unit for Forensic Anthropology, School of History, Classics and Archaeology, University of Edinburgh, 4 Teviot Place, EH8 9AG, Edinburgh, UK.
authors.forename: Despoina
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Nathena
authors.affiliation: Edinburgh Unit for Forensic Anthropology, School of History, Classics and Archaeology, University of Edinburgh, 4 Teviot Place, EH8 9AG, Edinburgh, UK; Department of Forensic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, 71110, Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
authors.forename: Elena F
authors.initials: EF
authors.lastname: Kranioti
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000365:Age Determination by Skeleton / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D018732:Forensic Anthropology; D006115:Greece; D006253:Haversian System / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008853:Microscopy; D008875:Middle Aged; D015233:Models, Statistical; D012272:Ribs / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Age estimation; Forensic anthropology; Rib histomorphometry; Sampling error