Evaluation of Various Techniques Used To Obtain Anthropological Utilizable Sternal End of Rib

Abstract

Background and objectives- Age and sex estimation from sternal end of fourth rib are well established as well as reliable methods in comparison with other existing methods. But, it’s not trouble-free task to prepare rib samples. This study was conducted with an aim to justify methods of obtaining anthropologically usable medial end of rib with objectives of verifying the methods in terms of difficulty, accuracy as well as time consummation by them. Methods- Study included 120 sternal end of fourth ribs obtained from fresh dead bodies came for autopsy. Each 20 group of rib samples were treated with six different methods i.e. Air drying, Fresh boiling, Preservation in salt water, Preservation in plain water, Preservation in plain water followed by boiling and Chemical treatment and observed for successful removal of cartilage and soft tissues. Results- By applying air drying method, 25% of rib samples were effectively treated for soft tissues and 10% for cartilage removal. Fresh boiling method was successful for soft tissue removal in 75% of rib samples and cartilage removal in 25% samples. Preserving rib samples in salt water were showing removal of soft tissue in 60% samples and cartilage in 50% samples. Plain water preservation was effective in 80% samples in terms of soft tissue removal and in 65% samples for cartilage removal. Preservation in plain water followed by boiling was effective method with maximum success rate of 95% of samples for soft tissue and 85% of samples for cartilage removal. Chemical treatment was effective in 60% of samples for soft tissue and only 25% of samples for cartilage removal. Conclusion- To obtain anthropologically usable rib end, plain water preservation followed by boiling is the best method for removal of cartilage and soft tissues. Plain water preservation alone with periodic follow up for removal of the remaining tissues is also effective method. Salt water preservation aids nothing but the time to remove the tissues. Air drying and acid treatment are least useful methods for the said purpose.