An evaluation of "old age" traits in transition analysis and mandibular ridge resorption in age estimation of older individuals

Abstract

Mandibular ridge resorption reflected by mandibular bone height and the two “old age” traits, breakdown of the dorsal margin of the pubic symphysis and posterior exostoses of the iliac auricular surface, were tested for their potential as old age indicators. Samples with no known age-at-death come from the Lankhills School, Andover Road, and Hyde Street cemetery collections in Winchester, UK. The collections were dated to the 4th century AD, a time of Imperial Roman rule. Results showed that mandibular bone height decreases with increasing age, however the correlation is only statistically significant in females. Statistically significant positive correlations exist between age-at-death and the two “old age” traits. Further, correlations between mandibular bone heights and the two “old age” traits were more pronounced in males. In general, mandibular ridge resorption, breakdown of dorsal margin of pubic symphysis and posterior exostoses of the iliac auricular surface can aid in the identification of old individuals; however, differences between the sexes is pronounced, indicating that besides age, sex-related factors, either physiological or cultural, play a role in the morphological changes of these skeletal features. Females tend to show more severe mandibular ridge resorption due to systemic bone loss affected by hormonal change around menopause. On the other hand, the two pelvic “old age” traits have stronger relationship with mandibular bone height in males because these two traits have more regular and predictable patterns of morphological changes. These changes are likely to be associated with the different roles of male and female pelves in reproduction.