Estimation of Age by The Study of Closure of Ectocranial and Endocranial Sutures on Autopsy

Identification refers to the process of determining the individuality of a person and it is of great significance in the field of law enforcement. An integral part of identification of a deceased and unknown individual is age estimation. In cases with bodies found in mutilated or decomposed state or when only fragments of remains are discovered, age estimation is of utmost importance and helps to aid in identification of the individual. Even though age estimation from cranial sutures is frequently used for age estimation along with other methods or in the absence of alternate evidence, there are few studies on the reliability of cranial sutures reported in India. Therefore, this study was done to observe the utility in the usage of cranial sutures as a method of age estimation in the population of Faridkot and adjoining areas.

The purpose of the study was to analyze the sequence and pattern of cranial suture (sagittal, coronal and lambdoid) closure on the ectocranial and endocranial surfaces along with bilateral and gender variations. We also studied the correlation between suture closure and age of the individual.

A sample of 200 autopsy cases which satisfied the criteria was included in the study. The skulls were cleaned and sutures were examined. The amount of suture closure was noted based on the Acsadi Nemeskeri scale bilaterally.

There was no bilateral variation in the amount of suture closure. Males showed early suture closure than females. Endocranial sutures were found to close early and uniformly when compared to ectocranial sutures. Positive correlation was found between age and suture closure till the age of 45 years.

The results showed that cranial suture closure on the endocranial surface can be used as an adjunctive tool in age estimation along with other methods to a certain amount of accuracy.