| Popis: |
The following study was conducted with the intent of discerning if modern nonmetric age at death estimation methods using the pubic symphysis are impacted in an individual with a history of long-term opioid use. Past research consistently demonstrates that the macroscopic structure of the human pelvis is altered as a result of long-term opioid use, and therefore may impact nonmetric estimation methodologies. To achieve this goal, a collection 796 individual Computed Tomography (CT) files were collected and examined from the New Mexico Decedent Image Database (NMDID). Individuals’ ages were estimated via the use of Hartnett’s (2010) pubic symphyseal face age at death estimation method. Initial hypotheses posited that a significant difference would be present regarding the accuracy of age estimations in the control and experimental groups, with lower accuracy in opioid using people. However, due to the low intraobserver error provided by a Cohen’s Kappa test (Landis and Koch 1977) any data obtained throughout this study are rendered questionable. Analysis of past research demonstrates a high number of potential confounding variables to account for in future examination of this topic, potentially to such an extent that it would be beneficial to wait until physiological understanding of the interaction of opioids on human bone has further progressed before continuation. |
