Development of Age and Gender Estimation Standards From Sternal Anthropometry: An Autopsy-Based Correlation Study in the Central Indian Population (Indore Region)

TL;DR

This study creates forensic age and gender estimation standards using sternal measurements from autopsies in Central India to improve identification of decomposed remains.

Contribution

The study provides region-specific sternal anthropometric standards for age and gender estimation in the Central Indian population.

Findings

Sternal fusion patterns show significant correlation with age, with complete fusion by 35 years for second-to-first sternum.

Xiphoid fusion begins at 43.70 years in males and 49.67 years in females, with incomplete fusion beyond 60 years.

Regional variations in sternal fusion patterns were observed when compared to existing studies.

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to develop region-specific, autopsy-based anthropometric standards of the sternum for age and gender estimation in the Central Indian population. The goal is to improve the accuracy of forensic identification, particularly in cases involving incomplete or decomposed remains.

Methods: A total of 770 sternum (432 males, 338 females) were analyzed for age estimation; 632 were also assessed for sex determination. Measurements included manubrium length, mesosternum length, combined sternal length, widths of the first and third sternebrae, sternal index, and relative width index. The fusion of the manubrium to the mesosternum and the xiphoid process to the body was documented. Data were analyzed using Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS, version 23.0; IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Armonk, NY), employing descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, and linear regression.

Results: Fusion of the second to the first sternum showed a statistically significant correlation with age (p < 0.0001), with fusion generally complete by 35 years. Fusion of the manubrium to the body exhibited variable patterns. Fusion of the xiphoid to the body began at a mean age of 43.70 years in males and 49.67 years in females, with incomplete fusion observed beyond 60 years. Comparison with existing studies revealed regional variation in sternal fusion patterns.

Conclusion: The sternum demonstrates significant age-related morphological changes with identifiable fusion patterns useful for forensic age estimation. However, variability in the fusion timing suggests that sternal analysis should be used with other skeletal indicators. These findings establish regional anthropometric standards for forensic applications in Central India.