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Updated: Sep 1, 2025
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Optimized Bone Sampling Protocols for the Retrieval of Ancient DNA from Archaeological Remains
Published on: November 30, 2021
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Adult age-at-death estimation using the first rib: A simple probabilistic approach
Leandro H Luna1,2, Claudia M Aranda2
1CONICET, Multidisciplinary Institute of History and Human Sciences (IMHICIHU), Saavedra 15 (1983), Faculty of Philosophy and Letters, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Journal of Forensic Sciences
|August 12, 2022
Summary
Estimating age at death using the first rib is a novel method for fragmented skeletal remains. This technique shows adequate reproducibility and is most effective for individuals aged 20-50 years.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Anthropology
- Bioarchaeology
- Paleopathology
Background:
- Accurate age-at-death estimation is crucial in forensic anthropology and bioarchaeology.
- Fragmented or incomplete skeletal remains present significant challenges for traditional age estimation methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and validate a new method for age-at-death estimation utilizing the first rib.
- To assess the reliability and reproducibility of this novel osteological technique.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 415 individuals from the Coimbra Identified Skeletal Collections.
- Recording of three rib joints and two key variables: surface texture/topography and periarticular margins/subsidence.
- Application of Bayesian statistics to calculate posterior probabilities for age estimation.
Main Results:
- The developed first rib method demonstrates adequate reproducibility.
- Left and right ribs are interchangeable, and sex does not significantly impact change patterns.
- Estimation accuracy is higher in younger individuals (20-50 years) but satisfactory in older individuals, with identified over/underestimation biases at extremes.
Conclusions:
- The first rib provides adequate age-at-death estimates, particularly when employing a probabilistic approach.
- This method is most effective for the 20-50 year age cohort but offers utility for older individuals.
- Integration with other age estimation markers is recommended for a multifactorial approach.
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