Age estimation based on pubic symphysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3750 words

Age estimation based on pubic symphysis - Essay Example This paper illustrates that amongst other techniques to estimate the age of the skeleton dentition is also frequently used to estimate age and at times this might be the last resort, given the complete mutilation or decomposition of the corpse This is because in such a situation   it is impossible to base any conclusions pertaining to age or identity upon other parts of the anatomy. Age estimation based on the changes within the surface of the pubic symphysis   is another method which has come to be regarded as as a reliable criterion for the estimation of age which has received much attention with in the field of forensic osteology which relates to the observation of the changes in pubic symphysis, particularly pertaining to the age related changes in adult humans between the ages of   20-50 years, which is a time when the skeleton itself goes through rapid growth related changes. Therefore morphological changes in the symphyseal surface of pubic bones have been evaluated by t he forensic anatomists through methods like Todd’s phase system for White Males McKern and Stewart’s three-component system with five active developmental stages for males Hanihara and Suzuki’s multiple regression analysis and quantification theory model be consistent in the way you list these. Suchey–Brooks phases which are more detailed for the examination of the male pubic symphysis. Based on the above this paper explores these methodologies pertaining to age estimation using morphological features of the pubic symphysis and goes onto evaluate their precision in the light of academic opinion.. Introduction As mentioned above, at the culmination of the growth process which also brings about the full eruption of the dentition growth it is possible to experience complications in the estimation of age , relying on evidence of degenerative processes. (Gilbert and Mckern 1973) .However, age estimation at death can be made from multiple methods out of one of which will be discussed below to be the symphyseal formula technique where as it has been â€Å"found that age estimates based on this single event are more dependable than similar age estimates from other bones. This technique has made age estimation from unknown skeletal remains more realistic, more accurate and more dependable.† (Parikh, C. k., 1990). There a number of techniques available with in the forensic osteology to estimate the survival, social adjustment and age of the populations based on the patterns of morbidity and mortality and these have included techniques like pubic symphysis morphology, auricular surface morphology, age-related size distribution, tooth wear, epiphyseal closure, dental eruption patterns. All these techniques are well utilized if the skeleton is still in its period of growth and development and their use may give very precise results However as soon as the growth and development process ceases. it becomes more and more difficult to give a precise assessment of the age based upon the evidence of the degenerative processes.Thus public morphology provides a good way of establishing consistent findings for the determination of age at death (mostly) of the corpse. Age is thus determined by