Title:
Forensic Anthropological Study on the Estimation of Age Using Skull Vault Suture Fusion: A Preliminary Study

Authors:
N.B.A.B. Balasooriya, C. Nahallage, S.R. Hulathduwa, Sri Lanka

Abstract:

Age estimation of deceased individuals is a critical aspect of forensic anthropology, especially for the identification of unknown cadavers. Although various countries have established reliable age estimation methods based on cranial suture fusion, these findings often do not directly translate to the Sri Lankan population due to unique population characteristics and forensic needs. This study aimed to estimate age at death through the assessment of skull vault suture fusion patterns and to analyze how fusion of different sutures correlates with advancing age in a Sri Lankan cohort. Conducted at Colombo South Teaching Hospital, Kalubowila, the study examined 102 postmortem cases comprising 68 males and 34 females. The fusion degree of four major cranial sutures; the coronal, sagittal, squamous, and lambdoid was evaluated on both ectocranial and endocranial surfaces using the Meindl & Lovejoy grading system, and data were categorized into four age groups: 21-40, 41-60, 61-80, and 81-100 years. Ethical clearance was requested from the Colombo South Teaching Hospital Ethical Review Committee. Results demonstrated significant sexual dimorphism in skull morphology and revealed earlier fusion of endocranial sutures compared to ectocranial surfaces. Specifically, the lateral ends of the coronal suture fused earlier than its upper segments, and endocranial sagittal suture fusion predominated after 41 years in both males and females, whereas ectocranial sagittal sutures maintained partial fusion throughout life. The endocranial squamous suture was found to be an unreliable indicator for age estimation. Unique observations included suture bones in four specimens and a metopic suture in one 81-year-old individual. The findings suggest that certain cranial sutures can serve as reliable markers for age estimation in the Sri Lankan population; however, others lack distinct age-related features. Consequently, future research is recommended to develop updated and standardized suture grading methods tailored to local forensic requirements.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.51505/ijmshr.2026.10106