Determination of age at death: Assessment of an algorithm of age prediction using numerical three-dimensional CT data from pubic bones

The determination of age at death is an important part of physical and fore nsic anthropology. Because of resistance to decomposition and the simplicit y/accuracy ratio, the direct observation of the os pubis by Suchey-Brooks p hase analysis is the preferred reference system for determination of age at death. We propose an age-prediction system using a pubic symphysis numeric al database obtained from CT x-ray through quantification of age-linked par ameters. Our system increases the accuracy of age estimation and at the sam e time preserves the integrity of the archeological material. (C) 1999 Wile y-Liss, Inc.