Assessment of Lambdoid Suture Closure for Age Estimation: A Morphological Autopsy Study.

Abstract

Background: Age estimation is an important component of forensic identification, particularly in cases involving decomposed, mutilated, burned, or unidentified bodies. Cranial suture closure has been used as a morphological indicator of age, although its reliability varies among populations. This study evaluated the pattern of lambdoid suture closure and its utility for age estimation in an Indian population. Methods: This autopsy-based observational study included 100 medicolegal cases aged ≥20 years undergoing post-mortem examination at a tertiary care teaching hospital between December 2010 and September 2012. Cases with known age and suitable cranial integrity were included. The lambdoid suture was assessed at three segments—pars lambdica (L1), pars intermedia (L2), and pars asterica (L3)—on both ectocranial and endocranial surfaces. Suture closure was graded using the Acsadi–Nemeskeri scoring system. Age-wise and sex-wise distributions were assessed, and the relationship between ectocranial and endocranial closure was evaluated using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient. Results: Of the 100 cases, 68% were male and 32% were female. Endocranial fusion commenced earlier than ectocranial fusion. In males, endocranial fusion began at approximately 32 years and complete fusion occurred at approximately 66 years, whereas in females, corresponding ages were approximately 33 and 75 years. Ectocranial fusion began later, at approximately 53 years in males and 48 years in females. No significant correlation was observed between ectocranial and endocranial suture closure across the evaluated age groups. No consistent bilateral differences were identified. Conclusion: Lambdoid suture closure demonstrates an age-related pattern and may provide supportive information for forensic age estimation. However, its morphological variability and lack of significant correlation between ectocranial and endocranial closure limit its use as a standalone method.