Study of Pattern of Fusion of Coronal Suture Using Skull Radiography and its Association with Documented Age in Males

Abstract

Cases of age estimation are seen by Forensic Practitioners. Identification is the establishment of the
individuality of a person. A medico-legal dispute can arise at any age. Age estimation is needed to apply
for government posts or pension or in cases of amnesia. Legal enforcement agencies often bring cases
for estimation of age, a few examples are that for employment, superannuation, pension settlements and
benefits. Use of fusion of sutures on the skull with other factors has been found reliable for age estimation.
In the present study we studied skull roentgenogram of patients. These patients were advised roentgenogram
for diagnostic and therapeutic purpose from other clinical departments. We studied the stage of fusion of
coronal sutures in those roentgenograms where age of the patient was documented after verification against
a standard identity proof. The suture was divided into upper half and lower half and stage of fusion was
documented. We followed the Key stage of fusion of sutures. The earliest age of commencement of suture
fusion was at 34 years and 30 years in its upper half and lower half respectively in our study. The earliest age
of completion of suture fusion was 56 years in upper half and 50 years at lower half.