Radiological Age Estimation from Manubriosternal and Xiphisternal Joints

Age estimation is one of the most important pillars for identification purposes. The present study aimed to estimate the age of individuals from Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, by analyzing radiological images of the sternum obtained through computed tomography (CT) scans. A total of 150 participants (75 males and 75 females) aged between 20 and 70 years were included in the analysis. CT images were systematically examined for the degree of sternal fusion at the manubriosternal and xiphisternal joints, categorized into three stages: no fusion, partial fusion, and complete fusion. The analysis revealed an age-related progression in sternal fusion, with younger individuals exhibiting no fusion, while partial and complete fusion became more prevalent with age. Males demonstrated higher rates of complete fusion compared to females, especially in the xiphoid-body region. Chi-square tests showed a significant correlation between sex and manubrium-body fusion but not body-xiphoid fusion. Regression analysis indicated that manubrium-body fusion accounted for 39.8% of the variance in age. Kruskal–Wallis tests further supported significant differences in median ages across fusion stages. This study highlights the strong correlation between sternal fusion and age, with females generally experiencing earlier fusion. The findings underscore the utility of sternal fusion as a reliable age estimation tool in forensic assessments, considering sex-specific differences in ossification.