By
Louise Scheuer, Department of Anatomy & Developmental Biology, University College London, UK
Sue Black, Centre for Anatomy & Human Identification, University of Dundee, Scotland, UK
Maureen Schaefer, Department of Anatomy & Forensic Anthropology, University of Dundee, Scotland, UK
Description
The need for a laboratory and field manual to assist with the evaluation of juvenile skeletal material is long overdue. This resource
is essential for the practising osteoarchaeologist and forensic anthropologist who requires a quick, reliable and easy-to-use reference
to aid in the identification, siding and aging of juvenile osseous material. While excellent reference books on juvenile osteology are
currently available, no pre-existing source adequately fills this particular niche in the market.
This field manual is designed
with practicality as its primary directive. Descriptions of each bone contain 1) morphological characteristics useful for identification,
2) other elements with which the bone may be confused, 2) tips for siding, 3) illustrations of varying developmental phases, 4) data
useful for ageing, and 5) a summary of developmental timings. Concise, bullet-style descriptions assist with quick retrieval of information.
Unique to this manual is the presentation of data collected from a variety of populations, utilizing a range of observational methods,
as an alternative to providing one overall aging summary that is derived from a compilation of many individual sources. This manual
provides a host of data on a variety of populations to enable the user to select the reference most applicable to their needs.
The
final chapter combines information from each bone to provide a summary of developmental changes occurring at different life stages to
act as an immediate 'ready reckoner' for the knowledgeable practitioner. It also provides forms useful for documenting juvenile material
and diagrams to help with the recognition of commingled juvenile remains.
The manual is a must for anyone responsible for the evaluation
of juvenile osseous material through dry bone assessment, radiographs, sonograms, and or CT scans.
Audience:
Practicing osteoarchaeologists and forensic anthropologists, forensic and medical scientists, pediatrics and paleontologists, coroners and medical examiners.
