The use of vertebral ring epiphyseal union for age estimation in two cases of unknown identity.

The objective of this case study was to demonstrate the utility of thoracic and first two lumbar vertebral ring epiphyseal union as an accurate and reliable method of age estimation for teenage and young adult skeletons. Vertebral ring epiphyseal union was used as a method of age estimation in two cases of osteological analysis for individuals of unknown identity. Case 1 involved male skeletal remains where postmortem damage by carnivores had destroyed most of the age markers. Data from vertebral ring epiphyseal union contributed to a narrower age estimation when used in conjunction with data from the other skeletal age indicators. Case 2 involved the fresh remains of an unknown female. Union of the vertebral ring epiphyses was consistent with an age range of 18 to 22 years, which was generally compatible with the age ranges obtained from the other skeletal sites (16 to 20 years). From this information, a narrower range of 18 to 20 years was then considered the most likely age at death. For each of the two cases, age information from observations of epiphyseal union of the vertebral centra has (1) been consistent with age information gathered from other skeletal age indicators and or (2) helped narrow down otherwise broader age estimation ranges. This method is recommended for use in estimating age at death from teenage and young adult skeletal remains.