Age at death estimation using Iscan's method: A cross-sectional study in Pakistani male population

Kanwal Zahra; Maryam Shahid; Nida Zahra; Arif Rasheed Malik

Author(s)

Kanwal Zahra Department of Forensic Medicine, Abwal Medical College, Faisalabad, Pakistan

Maryam Shahid Department of Forensic Medicine, Abwal Medical College, Faisalabad, Pakistan

Nida Zahra State Bank of Pakistan,

Arif Rasheed Malik Rahbar Medical College, Lahore, Pakistan,

Abstract

Objectives: To estimate age at death in Pakistani males using Iscan's method. Methodology: This observational cross-sectional study was conducted at the Forensic Medicine and Toxicology Department, KEMU Lahore and involved 85 male corpses. The right rib near the costal cartilage was extracted, and the sternal end was analyzed using Iscan's nine-phase classification method. Data were analyzed using SPSS-21. Results: The study population's mean age was 43.39 ± 22.21 years. A strong correlation was found between pit depth and age (r = 0.940, p<0.001). The highest F ratio was observed for bone quality, indicating its significant association with age. Morphological changes in the arti-cular surface, rim configuration, and bone type were also significantly correlated with age. Conclusion: Iscan’s method is reliable for age estimat-ion, particularly in forensic anthropology. While effec-tive within certain age ranges, a multivariable approach is recommended for more precise results. The method's applicability across diverse populations underscores its value in forensic investigations.

Publication Details

Page(s) 581-583

DOI DOI not available

Published Journal: Rawal Medical Journal, Volume: 50, Issue: 3, Year: 2025

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Keywords

medial end of rib, Age estimation, Iscan Phase Method, costal cartilage.

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