[Methods of age at death estimation based on compact bone histomorphometry]

The paper presents a review of possibilities of age at death assessment based on compact bone histomorphology. The author discusses the major methods of such evaluation and their differences. The analysis of related literature shows that there are several factors that exert a significant effect on reliability and accuracy of age estimation. These factors mainly involve genetic variation, pathologic conditions, traumas and mechanical stresses. Differences in accuracy of age assessment may also result from interpopulation variability and methodological factors. Nevertheless, the histomorphological analysis if done correctly is a fully valuable tool that allows for estimating age at death, especially in examinations of incomplete or markedly dismembered skeletons.