When examining an unknown skeletal remain, the symphysis pubis (pubic symphysis) is used to estimate age in adults. The McKern & Stewart method classifies the symphysis surface into three components. Which component shows the dorsal plateau development as its primary progressive change?

• A Component II — ventral rampart
• B Component III — symphyseal rim
• C Component IV — peripheral ossification
• D Component I — dorsal demiface ✓

Explanation

In the McKern & Stewart (1957) method for skeletal age estimation using the pubic symphysis in males, three components are scored progressively: Component I — the dorsal plateau (changes in the posterior/dorsal half of the symphyseal surface, from ridged to billowed to flat plateau), Component II — the ventral rampart (development of the anterior ridge/rampart from absent to complete), and Component III — the symphyseal rim (formation of the peripheral bony rim). Each component is scored 0–5; the combined score correlates with estimated age using regression tables. This method is more detailed than the Todd method.

Reference: The Essentials of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology (Narayan Reddy), 34th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.