Anthropometric Study of Cranial Vault Thickness with Respect to Age, Gender, and Somatotype in Indian Adults

Abstract

Background:

Cranial vault thickness (CVT) is a key anatomical parameter relevant in clinical, anthropological, and forensic contexts. It is influenced by various biological and physiological factors including age, sex, and body build. However, population-specific data, especially from India, remain scarce.

Objective:

To examine the variation in cranial vault thickness with respect to age, sex, and general body build among a sample of Indian adults.

Methods:

A prospective observational study was conducted on 132 deceased individuals (75 males, 57 females), aged 20–80 years, undergoing medico-legal autopsy at Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology at tertiary care center. The study duration spanned from September 2024 to January 2025  CVT measurements were taken at three standard anatomical points: frontal, parietal, and occipital bones using digital Vernier Calipers. Age, sex, height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) were recorded. Statistical analysis included correlation and regression models to evaluate associations between CVT and the studied variables.

Results:

The mean cranial vault thickness was higher in males across all measurement sites. A mild positive correlation was observed between CVT and BMI, while a weak inverse relationship with age was noted, especially at the parietal region. Statistically significant differences were noted between sexes for all three cranial regions (p < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Cranial vault thickness in the Indian population varies with age, sex, and general body build. Males tend to have thicker cranial bones, and higher BMI is associated with marginally increased CVT. These findings hold implications for forensic identification, trauma analysis, and biomechanical modeling.