Age Estimation of Lumbar Vertebrae by Visual Assessment in a Thai Population

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The age estimation of bone is essential for identification of the unknown-identity persons in both forensic and anthropological sciences. The lumbar vertebrae carry the most weight; hence, they have more biomechanical stress than any other vertebrae. As a result, the degenerative changes commonly occur in them. However, the estimation from visual assessment in lumbar vertebrae has not been reported in a Thai population. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the age estimation from the degree of osteophyte formation, the macroporosity, and the cortical surface to develop equations of lumbar vertebrae. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 250 lumbar columns (125 males and 125 females) in age range of 22 to 89 years were collected from the Forensic Osteology Research Center (FORC), Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University. RESULT: The most appropriate linear regression equation was used to estimate age by the inferior surface of L1 vertebra (R2= 0.408) with the standard error of 11.686 years. CONCLUSION: It was clear to recognize that three morphological aspects will be useful methods for forensic situations.