1Department of Forensic Medicine, Basaveshwara Medical College & Hospital, Chitradurga, India
2Department of Forensic Medicine, Kanachur Institute of Medical Sciences and Hospital, Mangalore, India
*Corresponding Author, Dr. B Viswakanth (Associate Professor) Email: drviswakanth@gmail.com, Mobile: +919744525554
Online published on 16 July, 2019.
The skeleton is a principle source of information in age estimation. It is difficult to estimate age after 25 years. Changes in the pubic symphysis, transparency of root and root length measurement have been considered as good parameters to estimate age beyond 25 years. The reliability of skull suture closure alone in age estimation still remains doubtful. Sagittal suture is considered to be the most accurate among the other vault sutures. Hence this study was conducted to check for its reliability in age estimation. It was observed that, sagittal suture closure starts earlier on the endocranial surface than on the ectocranial surface. Ectocranially females showed earlier fusion than males, but endocranial suture closure was earlier in males. Ectocranial fusion started between 20–29 years, with maximum closure occurringby 60 years. Endocranialfusion alsostartedbetween20-29 years and achieved maximum closure by55years.
Skeleton, Forensic anthropology, Sagittal suture, Cranial suture, Age estimation, Autopsy
