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Updated: May 28, 2026
07:56
Scanning Skeletal Remains for Bone Mineral Density in Forensic Contexts
Published on: January 29, 2018
Transition analysis 3: New skeletal age indicators
George R Milner1, Sara M Getz2, Svenja Weise3
1Department of Anthropology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, United States.
Forensic Science International
|May 26, 2026
Summary
This study enhances adult skeleton age estimation by analyzing transitions across multiple skeletal structures. A large global sample and statistical models provide improved accuracy for forensic anthropology and archaeology.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Anthropology
- Bioarchaeology
- Human Osteology
Background:
- Accurate age estimation in adult human skeletons is crucial for forensic and archaeological studies.
- Current methods using individual skeletal structures have limitations in precision.
- A need exists for a more robust and globally applicable age estimation technique.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an improved method for estimating the age of adult human skeletons.
- To establish age-of-transition data for numerous cranial and postcranial structures.
- To create a global age-estimation model using a large, diverse skeletal sample.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 69 early-to-late stage transitions in 47 skeletal structures from 1638 individuals across four continents.
- Application of Generalized Linear Models (GLM) and Generalized Additive Models (GAM) to determine age-of-transition curves.
- Development of look-up tables and a computer program (TA3-V1.0) for age estimation.
Main Results:
- A comprehensive dataset of age-of-transition percentages (5-95%) for both sexes, with sex-specific data where applicable.
- Identification of the most effective statistical model for generating age-estimation curves.
- Validation of multiple skeletal structures, some for the first time, for age estimation.
Conclusions:
- The collective analysis of multiple skeletal structure transitions significantly improves adult age estimation accuracy.
- The provided look-up tables and software offer practical tools for forensic anthropologists and bioarchaeologists.
- This research establishes a foundation for a more precise, globally applicable method for skeletal age assessment.
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