Attempted application of estimating age through the fourth rib, a study in a contemporary population from Estado de México

Abstract

In 1989, Loth and Iscan stated that, due to its anatomical position, the nature of their structure and role in the chest, ribs make an excellent indicator for age. This research is about the pros and cons that were presented to apply the methodology in a sample obtained from a contemporary population, exhumed in the town of Zimapán in the state of Hidalgo. Molds of the sternal end of the fourth rib, of people with known age and sex, were compared with the corresponding phase of the nine described by Iscan and Loth in 1991, then contrasted with the characteristics established by the researchers and determined if there is consistency between the two, obtaining unexpected information regarding sexual dimorphism.