Bilateral metamorphological variation at sternal end of fourth rib

Abstract

The sternal surface of the 4th rib has been suggested as a useful predictor of age estimation. Morphologic methods are fast and easy to use for purpose of age determination. The sternal ends of the ribs are a reliable method of age estimation from younger to old age. Iscan et al developed a phase analysis method for the right 4th rib that was sex and race specific. The purpose of this study is to determine the accuracy of the standards of age estimation from the left 4th in comparison to right fourth rib using the phase analysis for the Indian population. The sample consisted of right and left 4th ribs from 63 female and 101 males. Comparison of phase variation between right and left fourth ribs indicates that the average of an individual’s phase score in males is not significantly different in either the left or right rib.

Keywords

• Age estimation,rib phase method,bilateral variation

References

1. Aktas EO, Kocak A, Aktas S, Yemiscigil A. (2004) Ribs variation for age estimation. Are the standards for the right 4th rib applicable for other ribs? Coll Antropol 28 (Suppl. 2):267–272.