Histomorphometric estimation of age in paraffin-embedded ribs: a feasibility study

Area of Science:

• Forensic Anthropology
• Histomorphometry
• Osteology

Background:

• Estimating age at death from skeletal remains is crucial in forensic science.
• Current macroscopic and histological methods for age estimation often yield controversial results.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of histomorphometric analysis of the fourth left rib for age estimation.
• To determine if bone tissue histomorphometry in ribs can reliably correlate with chronological age in forensic cases.

Main Methods:

• Histomorphometric analysis was performed on decalcified, paraffin-embedded fourth left ribs from 80 forensic cases.
• Picrosirius dye was used for reliable staining.
• Image analysis quantified bone cortical area, Haversian canal dimensions, osteon areas, and non-Haversian canals.

Main Results:

• Most evaluated histomorphometric variables showed consistency among three observers.
• Internal cortical measurements exhibited less variability than external cortical measurements.
• Discriminant analysis revealed osteon population density significantly discriminated between age groups: 20-39, 40-59, and >60 years.

Conclusions:

• Histomorphometric analysis of rib bone, particularly osteon population density, is a viable method for age estimation in forensic contexts.
• The findings support the feasibility of larger studies to further refine the relationship between rib histomorphometry and chronological age.