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Juvenile Age Estimation

This webpage provides free-to-use Excel files for estimating the age at death of juvenile skeletal remains. The measurement protocols in each method are found in the pdf of the published paper next to the Excel files - please site those accordingly. Supplementary information with more detailed descriptions regarding the girdle bones, metaphyseal and epiphyseal measurements can be found on this page.

The methods are based on known sex and age samples from the Lisbon and Spitalfields collections. In the diaphyseal long bone length method, the St. Bride’s collection was also used for a total of 3 collections. Besides the cranial and mandible method, each Excel file contains 3 sheets with different sets of equations based on combined sex, male and female.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Most methods provide an option to estimate age based on the age category (often < 2 or ≥ 2 years old). It is obviously not possible to determine the age category an individual belongs to, before age is actually estimated. These categories should be used as a priori guidance only, when choosing the most appropriate set of equations. It is the range of measurements (minimum- maximum value) for each measurement that provides the actual boundaries for reliable use of each formula.

Diaphyseal Length of the Long Bones

This method uses the maximum diaphyseal lengths of the humerus, radius, ulna, femur, tibia, and fibula to the nearest tenth of a millimetre. The equations apply to individuals 12 years of age and under. There are two versions of the equations based on whether the individual is younger than 2 years of age or 2 years of age and older.

Metaphyseal and Epiphyseal Widths of the Long Bones

This method uses metaphyseal and epiphyseal widths to provide an age estimate. The proximal and distal metaphyses of the humerus, radius, ulna, femur, tibia, and fibula were measured to the nearest tenth of a millimetre. The proximal epiphyses of the humerus, femur, and tibia, and the distal epiphyses of the radius, femur, tibia, and fibula were measured to the nearest tenth of a millimetre. For detailed descriptions of the measurements, please see the supporting information file. All equations apply to individuals 12 years of age and under. The metaphyseal and epiphyseal equations are in separate Excel files. The metaphyseal excel file has two versions of the equations based on whether the individual is younger than 2 years of age or 2 years of age and older.

Shoulder and Pelvic Girdle Size

This method uses the shoulder and pelvic girdles to estimate age. For the shoulder girdle, clavicle was measured for length, and the scapula for height, breadth, length of the scapular spine, and glenoid breadth and height. From the pelvic girdle, the breadth and height of the ilium, and the lengths and heights of the pubis and ischium were measured. For detailed descriptions of the measurements, please see the supporting information file. All equations apply to individuals 12 years of age and under. The Excel file contains two versions of the equations based on whether the individual is under 2 years of age or 2 years of age and older.

Cranial and Mandibular Size

This method uses measurements of the cranial vault, facial bones, and mandible to estimate age. The cranial vault measurements used were the height and width of the frontal bone (< 2 years), the height and width of the occipital-squamous (< 2 years, ≥ 2 and ≤ 6 years), the length, width, and maximum length of the occipital-basilar (< 2 years, ≥ 2 and ≤ 6 years), and occipital-lateralis portions of the occipital and the length, width, and maximum length of the basilar portion (< 2 years, ≥ 2 and ≤ 6 years). The length and width of the zygomatic (< 2 years) and the length, width, and height of the maxilla (< 2 years, ≥ 2 and ≤ 6 years). Mandible measurements are chin height (< 2 years), bigonial width, bicondylar breadth, ramus height, and maximum length (< 2 years, ≥ 2 and ≤ 12). All equations apply to individuals 12 years of age and under. There are only combined sex equations for this method.

Deciduous Tooth Length

This method uses the maximum length of each deciduous tooth. The teeth measured and used in this method are the central and lateral incisors, the canine, and the first and second molars. All equations apply to individuals 3 years old and under. The Excel file that can be used to calculate the age estimate with the equations in this method is in the same file with the equations for the permanent teeth method.

Permanent Tooth Length

This method uses the maximum length of each present permanent tooth. The teeth measured and used in this method are the central and lateral incisors, the canine, first and second premolars, and first, second and third molars. All equations apply to individuals 21 years old and under. The Excel file that can be used to calculate the age estimate with the equations in this method is in the same file as those for the deciduous teeth method.