Age estimation through CT image analysis of the thoracic cage in a Mediterranean population

The estimation of age is considered to be one of the essential steps in the reconstruction of the biological profile of human remains, along with the estimation of sex. In this regard, the utilisation of three-dimensional images for this purpose has seen a substantial increase, given that it constitutes a straightforward methodology, as evidenced by the substantial body of prior research on the subject. For the purpose of this study, a sample of 240 thoracic CT scans of adult individuals was selected from a collection of 3D images belonging to the University of Granada. These images were provided by the Castilla-La Mancha Health Service (SESCAM). The ossification of the costochondral cartilage at the level of the first to seventh ribs, both at the costal end and at the sternal notch, was evaluated in these individuals, as was the degree of synostosis of the sternal segments. The purpose of this was to construct regression formulas that allow an accurate estimation of age. The results obtained in this study are of considerable value in estimating the age of bone remains through the analysis of 3D images. This estimation is facilitated by a series of regression formulae that are both replicable and reproducible, and which also have high coefficients of determination.