The use of vertebral ring epiphyseal union for age estimation in two casesof unknown identity

The objective of this case study was to demonstrate the utility of thoracic and first two lumbar vertebral ring epiphyseal union as an accurate and re liable method of age estimation for teenage and young adult skeletons. Vert ebral ring epiphyseal union was used as a method of age estimation in two c ases of osteological analysis for individuals of unknown identity. Case 1 i nvolved male skeletal remains where postmortem damage by carnivores had des troyed most of the age markers. Data from vertebral ring epiphyseal union c ontributed to a narrower age estimation when used in conjunction with data from the other skeletal age indicators. Case 2 involved the fresh remains o f an unknown female. Union of the vertebral ring epiphyses was consistent w ith an age range of 18 to 22 years, which was generally compatible with the age ranges obtained from the other skeletal sites (16 to 20 years). From t his information, a narrower range of 18 to 20 years was then considered the most likely age at death. For each of the two cases, age information from observations of epiphyseal union of the vertebral centra has (1) been consi stent with age information gathered from other skeletal age indicators and or (2) helped narrow down otherwise broader age estimation ranges. This met hod is recommended for use in estimating age at death from teenage and youn g adult skeletal remains. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.