Estimation of sex and age by calcification pattern of costal cartilage in Japanese.
The right 4th costal cartilages of 110 Japanese cadavers (55 males and 55 females) were radiographically examined to elucidate the sex differences in the pattern of calcification. Calcification was observed in the cartilages of both sexes aged over 20 years. Twenty out of 98 subjects showed no calcification despite being over 20 years old; so calcification at this site did not occur with aging in all adults, but was seen in approximately 80%. Calcification showed 3 patterns, which were marginal, central, and granular calcification pattern. The marginal pattern was observed in 39 subjects (33 males and 6 females), the central pattern in 15 (all female) and the granular pattern in 20 (1 male and 19 females). Detailed investigation of the internal structure at the distal ends of the ribs and the shape of the costochondral junction revealed better estimates of age compared with the degree of calcification alone, which showed wide individual variation. Radiographic examination of the costal cartilages is useful and conveniet for estimating the sex and age, not only of fragmentary and partial remains, but also of skeletons or badly decomposed bodies. Moreover, it may be effective as a screening test for identification after large-scale disasters.
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Criminal Investigation Laboratory, Saitama Pref. Police H.Q., Japan.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000365:Age Determination by Skeleton / Q000379:methods*; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D044466:Asian People; D002113:Calcification, Physiologic; D002356:Cartilage / Q000502:physiology*; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005554:Forensic Medicine; D006801:Humans; D007564:Japan; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012272:Ribs / Q000502:physiology; D012727:Sex Characteristics; D012732:Sex Determination Analysis / Q000379:methods*