Age estimation by evaluation of osteophytes in thoracic and lumbar vertebrae using postmortem CT images in a modern Japanese population

This study investigated a method for age estimation of modern Japanese individuals using osteophytes measured on CT images. The sample included 250 cadavers (125 males) aged 20–95 yea rs. The degree of osteophyte formation was evaluated as score O (0–5 points), and the degree of fusion of the osteophytes between the upper and lower vertebrae was evaluated as score B (0–2 points). Age estimation equations were developed using regression analyses with seven variables, determine d by scores O and B, and the equation with the smallest standard error of estimate (SEE) was obtained when the number of vertebrae with score O ≥ 2 was used as the explanatory variable. Age estimation with SEE of about 10 years was possible even when partial vertebrae with a high degree of os teophyte formation were used, showing its potential for practical application. The cutoff value for age estimation was established using the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, wherein good results were obtained for all variables (area under the curve ≥ 0.8). The combination of t he estimation equation and the cutoff value can narrow the range of age estimates.
Source: International Journal of Legal Medicine - Category: Medical Law Source Type: research