ISSN: 0022-1198
Published Online: 6 April 2005
Page Count: 6

Application of the Suchey-Brooks Method to Three-dimensional Imaging of the Pubic Symphysis
Blanc, A
Rangueil University Hospital,

Gaston, A

Rougé, D

Joffre, F
Rangueil University Hospital,

Telmon, N

Chemla, P
Rangueil University Hospital,

(Received 14 August 2004; accepted 9 January 2005)

Abstract

Age determination is a major field of interest in forensic anthropology. Among the different methods based on macroscopic skeletal study, the Suchey-Brooks method, which analyzes the pubic symphysis, is one of the most reliable. We applied the Suchey-Brooks method to three-dimensional computed tomographic reconstructions of the pubic symphysis. We demonstrated excellent agreement between the results of analysis of bone samples and those of the three-dimensional images, in particular regarding ridges of the articular surface and delimitation of the extremities. The accuracy of age estimation did not significantly differ (Wilcoxon test) between the Suchey-Brooks method applied to bones and the same method applied to CT images. Using high-quality images, this approach seems as reliable as the standard Suchey-Brooks method and offers several advantages: no bone preparation, no damage to bone material, and the possibility of application to living individuals.

Keywords:
forensic science, forensic anthropology, bone age determination, pubic symphysis, computed tomography, three-dimensional reconstruction

Paper ID: JFS2004326
DOI: 10.1520/JFS2004326
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