Forensic Medicine · Forensic Identification (Skeletal Age, Fingerprints, Race, Sex, Stature)

Using the auricular surface of the ilium for adult age estimation, which morphological finding best indicates ADVANCED age?

  • A Fine granular texture with well preserved transverse organisation
  • B Billowed surface with prominent transverse ridges
  • C Loss of transverse organisation with dense, irregular macroporous bone
  • D Complete absence of retroauricular cortical change
Correct answer: C. Loss of transverse organisation with dense, irregular macroporous bone

Explanation

Lovejoy's phases describe progressive change at the auricular surface: young adults show billowing and fine transverse striations, while advancing age brings loss of transverse organisation, surface densification and finally coarse macroporosity on an irregular face. Fine granularity with intact transverse organisation marks youth, so options A and B indicate the opposite extreme of the age range.

Reference: Parikh's Textbook of Medical Jurisprudence, Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, 9th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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