Title

Estimation of age from the rib by phase analysis - an autopsy study in population of central India.

Authors

Vinod P Bhalerao, Sandesh H Chaudhari, Rahul O Paliwal

 Abstract

Introduction: The rib technique has certain advantages over the pubic symphyseal method. Metamorphosis in the rib is detectable well beyond the maximum age that can be estimated reliably from the pubic symphysis. Aim of this study is to test the reliability and accuracy of Iscan’s phase analysis method in estimation of skeletal age at death from fourth rib & to find out mean age for each phase in male & female population of central India. Material & Methods: As per defined inclusion & exclusion criteria the dead bodies brought for autopsy were selected & the costochondral junction of right & left fourth rib of 128 dead bodies of known age and sex were removed, processed and examined by phase analysis depending upon component stages. Findings were graded using phase analysis method originally used by Yasar Iscan & Padmakumar et.al. Each rib was placed in one of the phases extending from ‘1’ to ‘8’. Results: Out of total 128 samples, 90 were of male (70.31%) and 38 were of female (29.69%) gender. Maximum number of male sample fall in phase 6 followed by phase 2, however most of female samples fall in phase 2 and 3. The morphological changes initiate earlier in female than male. No significant inter costal phase variation seen between right ribs and their left side counterpart. The most rapid changes were seen in phases 1 to 4 with an interval of 5 - 8 years. Statistical analysis inferred that phage analysis method of age estimation is safe and reliable in population of Central India. Conclusion: The age of unknown dead bodies can be estimated within range of ± 2 to 5 years up to 45 years of age by phase analysis. The phase analysis method was found to be useful in Central Indian population in both sexes, except in phase 6 to 8 where age can be determined only within a wide range.Introduction: The rib technique has certain advantages over the pubic symphyseal method. Metamorphosis in the rib is detectable well beyond the maximum age that can be estimated reliably from the pubic symphysis. Aim of this study is to test the reliability and accuracy of Iscan’s phase analysis method in estimation of skeletal age at death from fourth rib & to find out mean age for each phase in male & female population of central India. Material & Methods: As per defined inclusion & exclusion criteria the dead bodies brought for autopsy were selected & the costochondral junction of right & left fourth rib of 128 dead bodies of known age and sex were removed, processed and examined by phase analysis depending upon component stages. Findings were graded using phase analysis method originally used by Yasar Iscan & Padmakumar et.al. Each rib was placed in one of the phases extending from ‘1’ to ‘8’. Results: Out of total 128 samples, 90 were of male (70.31%) and 38 were of female (29.69%) gender. Maximum number of male sample fall in phase 6 followed by phase 2, however most of female samples fall in phase 2 and 3. The morphological changes initiate earlier in female than male. No significant inter costal phase variation seen between right ribs and their left side counterpart. The most rapid changes were seen in phases 1 to 4 with an interval of 5 - 8 years. Statistical analysis inferred that phage analysis method of age estimation is safe and reliable in population of Central India. Conclusion: The age of unknown dead bodies can be estimated within range of ± 2 to 5 years up to 45 years of age by phase analysis. The phase analysis method was found to be useful in Central Indian population in both sexes, except in phase 6 to 8 where age can be determined only within a wide range.

 Keywords

Age estimation, Autopsy, Fourth rib, Phase analysis.

 DOI