Age estimation from IV rib by phase analysis in Indian females

Abstract

Metamorphosis at the sternal extremity of the rib has already been established as a reliable indicator of age at death by Iscan's phase method introduced in 1985. The purpose of this paper is to apply rib phase standards to an Indian sample to test if the progression of morphological changes follows the same age sequence. The rib sample shows that an accurate estimation of age can be made by direct examination of the bone itself. The sample consisted of 63 ribs of known age, sex, and race. The ribs were assigned to one of nine phases (0 through 8) based on changes noted at the costochondral junction. These included the formation of a pit, its depth and shape, configuration of the walls and rim surrounding it, and the overall texture and quality of the bone. Statistical analysis revealed that the features chosen to delineate the phases are valid predictors of age. This study has shown that the sternal rib can provide an accurate estimation of age in females spanning a mean age of 14 to 85 years.

Keywords:

• Human identification
• sternal rib
• Indian females
• age determination