Skeletal remains show complete fusion of all four sternebral segments forming the mesosternum, while the manubrium remains unfused with the body of the sternum. This finding indicates an age of approximately:
- A 14 to 16 years
- B 20 to 25 years ✓
- C 35 to 40 years
- D 60 years and above
Correct answer: B. 20 to 25 years
Explanation
The four sternebral pieces fuse with each other progressively and are usually united between about 20 and 25 years, whereas the manubriosternal joint and the xiphisternum remain cartilaginous much longer and may fuse only after middle age, sometimes never. Therefore isolated fusion of the mesosternum with an open manubriosternal junction points to the third decade. Fusion of sternebrae cannot occur at 14 to 16 years because ossification centres themselves persist into adolescence.
Reference: Parikh's Textbook of Medical Jurisprudence, Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, 7th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.