Age estimation approaches using cranial suture closure: A validation study on a Thai population

Abstract

Cranial suture closure, one of the most commonly used age estimation methods, for decades, however, is often viewed with caution and its reliability is still debated. Few methods of estimating age using the skeleton, especially cranial suture, have been tested on Thais. This study aims to test the traditional aging techniques using cranial suture closure on Thai individuals in order to identify the error rate of each method when applied to a Thai sample. Meindl and Lovejoy (1985), Acsádi and Nemeskéri (1970), and Mann (1991) methods were applied to 175 Thai dry crania. Bias and inaccuracy in the Meindl and Lovejoy, Acsádi and Nemeskéri, and Mann methods resulted in overestimation in young adults and underestimation in older individuals with an inaccuracy range of approximately 13-22 years. The Mann method approached 100% in predicting age in older males, but the method did not fare as well on Thai females. The results confirm inter-population variation does exist. Additionally, differences in age composition between populations used to develop the methods and Thais may lead to an increase in error. This study indicates that these three aging methods should be used in conjunction with other techniques. Further research which develops specific methods for Thais might give better results for age estimation.

Keywords: Age estimation; Forensic anthropology; Forensic science; Suture closure; Thais; Validation study.