Article

Analysis of time of closure of the spheno-occipital synchondrosis using computed tomography.

Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine, Department of Forensic Medicine, Monash University, 57-83 Kavanagh St, Southbank, Melbourne 3006, Australia.
Forensic science international (impact factor: 2.1). 05/2010; 200(1-3):161-4. DOI:10.1016/j.forsciint.2010.04.009 pp.161-4
Source: PubMed

ABSTRACT Current knowledge concerning closure of the spheno-occipital synchondrosis is inadequate for age estimation purposes in that of the few detailed studies conducted, these demonstrate considerable variation concerning the age at which the synchondrosis commences and completes fusion, thus creating uncertainty for forensic investigators who may use this developmental feature for age determinations. The aim of the present study was to determine the sequence and timing of closure of the spheno-occipital synchondrosis for a large sample of a modern Australian population to assess if this age marker is a useful tool for age estimation for individuals around the age of 18 years. The sample consisted of 666 individuals in the age range 15-25 years, who were admitted to the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine (VIFM) mortuary and who had undergone routine full body multi-slice CT imaging. Results show that fusion was well underway by the age of 15 years and was complete by 17 years. Fusion begins superiorly and progresses inferiorly. Persistence of a scar at the site of fusion was demonstrated through to age 25 years. After the age of 16 years there was no significant difference in progress of fusion between males and females. The study showed that this age marker is of limited value for age estimations around the age of 18 years in this population.

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  • Article: Estimation of age from human sternum: an autopsy study on a sample from South India.
    H V Chandrakanth, Tanuj Kanchan, Kewal Krishan, M Arun, G N Pramod Kumar
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    Deutsche Zeitschrift für die Gesamte Gerichtliche Medizin 08/2012; 126(6):863-8. · 2.59 Impact Factor
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Keywords

666 individuals
 
age 25 years
 
age estimation
 
age estimation purposes
 
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age range 15-25 years
 
Current knowledge
 
demonstrate considerable variation
 
detailed studies
 
developmental feature
 
forensic investigators
 
Forensic Medicine
 
large sample
 
limited value
 
modern Australian population
 
progresses inferiorly
 
synchondrosis commences
 
useful tool
 
Victorian Institute