Histological age estimation

Since the introduction of the first histological method of age estimation by Ellis Kerley in 1965 numerous methods by various researchers have followed. Despite the attention that histological age estimation has received in the literature, histological methods tend to be used when no other methods can be applied or for the sole purpose of distinguishing human bone fragments from nonhuman. This chapter reviews well-established histological methods of age estimation and explores the tribulations in the acceptance of these methods as a conventional tool for the estimation of age at death. Furthermore, it describes the biological factors that one must consider when developing and applying microscopic methods of age estimation. Finally, this chapter discusses contemporary research and future directions in cortical bone histomorphometry.