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Test of the Lamendin aging method on two historic skeletal samples
Mary S Megyesi1, Douglas H Ubelaker, Norman J Sauer
1Department of Anthropology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48910, USA. megyesim@msu.edu
American Journal of Physical Anthropology
|April 18, 2006
Summary
The Lamendin aging method, used for estimating age in adults, is less reliable on historical skeletal samples due to postmortem changes affecting root translucency. This impacts its accuracy for archaeological and forensic anthropology applications.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Anthropology
- Bioarchaeology
- Paleopathology
Background:
- The Lamendin method estimates adult age using dental root translucency and periodontal ligament attachment.
- This technique was validated on modern skeletal collections.
- It is considered effective for age estimation in individuals over 35 years old.
Observation:
- This study evaluated the Lamendin method on 18th and 19th-century British skeletal samples (Spitalfields and St. Bride's).
- 1,188 teeth from 220 individuals were analyzed.
- Key measurements included root length, gingival regression, and root translucency.
Findings:
- Postmortem factors significantly impact the Lamendin method's applicability to historical remains.
- Root translucency was absent or obscured in 35% of the sample due to taphonomic effects.
- Age estimation errors were higher compared to studies on modern skeletal samples.
Implications:
- The Lamendin method requires cautious application to archaeological and historical human remains.
- Taphonomic processes can compromise the reliability of dental aging techniques.
- Further research is needed to adapt or validate aging methods for ancient populations.
