Age estimation in an Indian subpopulation by cone-beam computed tomographic analysis of spheno-occipital synchondrosis fusion

Abstract

Age estimation has been an ever-evolving aspect of forensic science. There is no dearth of markers in estimating age around 14–15 years; however, there is paucity for adolescent- adult transition markers. Various studies have cited the late closure of spheno-occipital synchondrosis (SOS). This study is an attempt at ascertaining the possibility of age estimation in an Indian subpopulation by cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) analysis of SOS.271 (145 males, 126 females; 10–25 years) full volume scans were assessed on the Planmeca Promax, 3D-mid CBCT unit. On the basis of the staging system proposed by Lottering et al (2015), the SOS was analyzed in coronal and sagittal planes and its closure was graded in six stages (1–6). The intra-class correlation (ICC) coefficient for the intra and inter-observer bias was 0.98 and 0.95 respectively, depicting an excellent agreement.This study depicts that closure of SOS has a linear relation with age. Females tend to attain each stage earlier than males. However, this sexual dimorphism exists till 16 years of age, thereafter, 100 % population shows complete closure of SOS.The closure of SOS can be used to determine age in the adolescent-adult transition phase with more reliability in males as compared to females. In the central Indian population, complete fusion of SOS (Stage 6) was noted in individuals aged 16 years and above, irrespective of sex.

Keywords

• Age estimation
• Cone-beam computed tomography
• Indian subpopulation
• Scoring tier
• Sexual dimorphism
• Spheno-occipital synchondrosis