Study of chronology of closure of cranial sutures in females

Various features in an unknown body aid in establishing identity of the deceased, which is a challenging task for forensic experts at autopsy, of which age estimation is an integral part. Various methods are used to estimate age at death, such as, in the sub-adult group; appearance and fusion of primary and secondary ossification centers, epiphyseal union, and tooth eruption, which have long been studied and proved useful. In adults; pubic symphysis, auricular surface of hip bone, sternal ends of rib, cranial suture closure, secondary dental changes and histological methods have been mentioned in various studies. Estimation of age becomes difficult as the age advances, particularly after the age of 20?25 years. One such index in age estimation beyond 25 years is the closure of the cranial sutures both ectocranially and endocranially. Hence this study is undertaken to find out the age of cranial suture closure in females and its reliability in estimating age.