ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Published Online: 1 April 1979
Page Count: 9

Age Estimations from Diaphyseal Lengths: Two Months to Twelve Years
Hoffman, JM
Assistant professor of anthropology, The Colorado College,

(Received 27 July 1978; accepted 13 November 1978)

Abstract

Accurate identification of individuals by skeletal structures requires estimations of age, sex, race, and stature plus the presence or absence of such distinguishing features as healed or healing fractures (or other pathologies), restorative or reparative dental work, skeletal anomalies, and others. Correct identification, within limits, is maximized when the investigator has the remains of a complete adult skeleton. As skeletal parts diminish in number and as the age of the individual decreases, accuracy in identification also decreases. When found in combination, that is, with fragmentary skeletons of subadults, these features make for the least desirable situation if accurate individual identification is to be made or even attempted. Kerley [1] has recently reminded us of the inherent difficulties of determining sex, race, and stature in subadults even when complete remains are available. As the remains become more fragmentary these parameters become most difficult to evaluate.

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Paper ID: JFS10853J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS10853J
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