Age regression for Malaysian males using cortical bone Histomorphometry

Abstract

Bone microstructures have the capability to record the variations in its structure that occur during the life span. These variations can be analysed to estimate human age at death. This study analysed 30 Malaysian male samples in order to create a regression equation for age estimation. Bone samples were collected from human long bones i.e humerus, radius, ulna, tibia, fibula and femur. Two morphological and five histological variables were selected for analysis. Cortical thickness and medullar cavity diameter did not show any significant relation with increasing age however haversian canal parameters and osteon count showed significant correlation with age. Regression equation with lowest SEE 7.2 was based on Haversian canal area, haversian canal radius and osteon count. The regression equation estimated age at death within 10 years of range for 85% samples. The mean value of the known ages was 39.8 years while the mean value of the estimated ages was 37.03 years. Increasing number of samples including female samples for further research might produce promising results.