Maxillary Suture Obliteration: Aging the Human Skeleton Based on Intact or Fragmentary Maxilla

Abstract

Obliteration of the four sutures of the bony palate is examined to determine its value as an age indicator. Thirty-six maxillae from a predominately white series representing both sexes and a wide variety of ages are studied. It is concluded that the amount of obliteration of these sutures is useful in estimating general biological age.