Radiological Age Estimation from Sternum in Living Individuals
Abstract
Age estimation from human skeleton forms an integral part in medico-legal practice. Human skeleton can be assessed radiologically to evaluate the aging process. Parts of the sternum, manubrium, body and sternum were assessed for fusion of the ossification centers on lateral views of plain radiographs. The aim of this study is to determine the age of an individual from inspection of the elements of sternum for fusion of the ossification centers radiographically. Fusion of manubrium and xiphoid process with the body of the sternum were studied radiologically. This data base of measurement and indices are statistically analyzed and conclusions are drawn. Sample size for the present study was 420. The mean age of fusion of the xiphisternum with the body of the sternum was 40 years for males and 42 years for females. The mean age of fusion of the manubrium to the body of the sternum was 55 years for males and 58 years for females. © 2017, Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology. All rights reserved.