Radiographic identification of age and gender from the degree and pattern of calcification of the costal cartilages

ABSTRACT

Accurate diagnosis of human age and gender has always been a problem for forensic scientists. This study aimed at the determination of the gender and approximate age using a simple, inexpensive and readily available technique, which requires little expertise, by utilizing radiological-determined pattern and degree of calcification of the costal cartilages. The study comprised [50] cases of both genders; their ages ranged from [15] to [80] years. The chest plate comprised of the sternum, costal cartilage and the last [2] cms of ribs, were exposed to radiological examination. The central and mixed patterns of calcification at the costochondral junction were characteristic and definitely identified female gender; while the peripheral pattern occurred in both genders, but was more in male gender. Independent of gender, there was a statistically significant association between age and degree of calcification. Degrees of calcification, which equal [2.5] up to [4], identify a male as having an age > 40 years. Linear regression equations were used to calculate age from the degree of calcification at the costochondral junction with low to moderate accuracy