More stages for better ages: An investigation into the applicability of a seven-stage epiphyseal scoring system in age estimation methods
Date
2026
Authors
Ashdown, Kaitlyn
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Abstract
The process of long bone development - epiphyseal maturation - is a canalized process that progresses through distinct maturational stages at relatively consistent ages across juveniles. Because of this consistency, epiphyseal maturation is a common proxy for chronological age in age estimation methods. Ages at which epiphyses are expected to appear, undergo fusion to the diaphysis (active fusion), and completely fuse to the diaphysis, are well-established. However, age reference standards for these maturational stages can be broad, particularly for active fusion; this is largely because epiphyseal fusion studies commonly combine individuals at all degrees of active fusion into one ‘partial fusion’ stage, thereby limiting the precision of age estimates from these reference standards. In an effort to increase age estimation accuracy, this study investigates the applicability of a precise, seven-stage epiphyseal scoring system developed by Dr. Kyra Stull and Dr. Louise Corron. To do so, this study utilizes a known age-at-death sample of American juveniles aged between 5 and 20 years old and raises the following question: How might Stull and Corron’s (2022) seven-stage scoring system be used to refine epiphyseal age estimation methods? Quantitative descriptive analysis via relative frequency distribution revealed consistent patterns in how individuals progress through active fusion of the humeral and femoral epiphyses. These patterns indicate that narrower, more precise expected age ranges can potentially be produced for use in age estimation methods based on degree of fusion for slower fusing epiphyses. Results of this study can be used to inform further development of precise age estimation methods for American populations.
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Keywords
age estimation, humerus, femur, American, skeletal growth and development, scoring system, epiphysis, juvenile, epiphyseal fusion, forensic anthropology