OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to statistically study the age-related microstructure of the fifth metatarsal bone (VPC) and to develop the diagnostic models using step-by-step discriminant and regression analyses. The primary materials of Yu.V. Zazulin on the microstructure of the VPC of the left foot from the corpses of both sexes persons (male — 60, female — 40) aged from 18 to 90 years from the archive of the RCSE were used. The individual data is compiled in the form of a computer database and analyzed using the software package Statistica 10. According to the discriminant analysis the diagnostic models were calculated that distinguish between age groups: 18—49 years and 50—90 years with an accuracy 90.43% of correct classification; 18—35 and 36—49 years with 94.12% accuracy; 50—61 and 62—90 years with 80.96% accuracy. Using regression analysis the diagnostic models were calculated in the range: 18—90 years, 18—49 years, 50—90 years with diagnostic accuracy from ±9.47 years to ±3.40 years. Based on the results of verification the models dedicated for isolated and complex usage in forensic practice.