ABSTRACT
The identity of dead is an essential part of post-mortem examination. The identification of unknown human remnants begins with the creation of an anthropological profile, which includes sex, biological age, stature and individualizing features. The estimation of age at death is based on the bodily biological changes that occur throughout life. Closure of spheno occipital synchondrosis is one of factors used for age estimation although its importance and reliability has been challenged with different authors. We studied its closure time among Iranian 8 to 26 years old male cadavers with direct inspection during autopsy. We divided synchondrosis situation depending on its fusion state into three categories: open, semi closed and closed. During 2004-5, 106 cases studied. Mean age of open, semi closed and closed were 12.78, 16.86 and 21.36 years, respectively. Their difference was significant [p < 0.05]. Partial fusion [semi closed] was seen at 12 years while complete fusion [closed] should be 15 years or above. Spearman's correlation ratio coefficient showed linear correlation between age and suture situation [rho = 0.684, P < 0.05]. Our results showed that closure of spheno occipital suture can be used as a good indicator for age estimation in males. With sensitivity of 88.31% and specificity of 79.31% males can be correctly grouped above or below 16 years