Analysis of age-at-death estimation using data from a new, modern autopsy sample--part II: sternal end of the fourth rib

Abstract

This research tests the accuracy of age-at-death estimation from the sternal end of the fourth rib. Age was estimated using the Işcan and Loth casts and written descriptions. The correlation results indicate that there are significant differences in the observed versus actual ages (r = 0.75329, p < 0.001) and that there are significant interobserver differences. Intraobserver tests showed that no significant differences were found within observers. Results of the rib end analysis compared to the results from the pubic symphyses suggest that the rib performs better than the pubic symphysis in age estimation. The rib ends were sorted based on morphology without prior knowledge of age. Summary statistics were calculated for each new phase, and descriptions were created. A variant form of the rib end was described, and the previously understated feature of bone quality was emphasized.