Protocolos para la adquisición de parámetros métricos del osteón: consistencia de diferentes métodos para la estimación de la edad

When human remains are fragmented, bone histology is one of the few methods to be applied for identification purposes, specifically for age estimation. Qualitative and quantitate parameters are used, reflecting age-related changes with methodologies presenting different technical approaches for data collection. The present project aims to test reliability and consistency of different osteonal metric data collection protocols both for data acquisition and age estimation.
The material under study consists of 10 rib microphotographs (40x magnification) from Greek- Cypriot individuals of known age. Four different data collection protocols as indicated in the literature were applied and three commonly used parameters measured (area, perimeter, and circularity). Obtained values were compared separately, and then inserted in age estimation formulae, and comparison between protocols and estimates conducted through paired t-test and Sign-test. The results demonstrate that there is a statistically significant difference between methods but when the osteonal metric values are applied to the different formulae for the purpose of estimating age, area and perimeter parameters produce similar ages, while circularity results in more variability. Validation studies and methods standardization are of crucial value for forensic anthropology to ensure reliable results and to provide guidance to practitioners. Our findings show that there is a need for standardisation of histological methods depending on the parameter and technique under consideration.