Study of Sexual Dimorphism in the Closure of Sagittal Suture – A Postmortem Study

Abstract

Background: Performing identity is a prime task in medicolegal and postmortem examinations. Age is the first parameter that has to be determined followed by sex. There are several techniques through which sex can be determined. As well there are different anatomical, physiological and pathological parameters determination of sex. Aim: To determine the sexual dimorphism in the cranial sagittal suture closure macroscopically. Methods: All the cases for this purpose had been selected from those brought for autopsy in the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, King Edward Medical University Lahore during the year 2016. Results: The statistical analysis revealed early closure in males than in females both ectocranially and endocranially with advancing age in the sagittal suture of cranial vault. The p value was found significant being less than 0.05 thereby establishing the fact that sexual dimorphism in the cranial sagittal suture exists. Conclusion: Conclusively the determination of sex is possible from the pattern of Cranial Sutures closure on autopsy table. Key words: Sex, Sagittal, Suture, Cranial