Skeletal remains of an unidentified person are recovered. A radiograph of the skull base shows the spheno-occipital synchondrosis is still patent (unfused). What opinion regarding age is defensible from this finding alone?
- A The individual was below approximately 20 years of age ✓
- B The individual was above approximately 25 years of age
- C The individual was between 30 and 40 years of age
- D No inference about age is possible from this site
Correct answer: A. The individual was below approximately 20 years of age
Explanation
The spheno-occipital synchondrosis, the growth cartilage between the basisphenoid and basiocciput, normally fuses between 20 and 25 years of age. A clearly patent synchondrosis therefore places the individual below about 20 years. This site is valuable because it survives in fragmentary skulls where sutures and teeth may be unavailable. Once fusion is complete the finding cannot distinguish a 26-year-old from a 60-year-old, so option B reverses the direction of inference.
Reference: The Essentials of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology (Reddy and Murthy), 34th ed.
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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.