Suchey-Books Method (Symphyseal Surface)

Question 1

phase 1

Answer 1

Symphyseal face has a billowing surface composed of ridges and furrows which includes the pubic tubercle
The horizontal ridges are well marked
Ventral bevelling may be commencing
Although ossific nodules may occur on the upper extremity, a key feature of this phase is the lack of delimitation of either extremity (upper and lower)

Question 2

phase 2

Answer 2

Symphyseal phase may still show ridge development
Lower and upper extremities show early stages of delimitation, with/without ossific nodules
Ventral rampart may begin formation as extension from either or both extremities

Question 3

phase 3

Answer 3

Symphyseal face shows lower extremity and ventral rampart in process of completion
Fusing ossific nodules may form upper extremity and extending along ventral border
Symphyseal face may either be smooth or retain distinct ridges
Dorsal plateau is complete
No lipping of symphyseal dorsal margin or bony ligamentous outgrowths

Question 4

phase 4

Answer 4

Symphyseal phase is generally fine grained, remnants of ridge & furrow system may remain
Oval outline usually complete at this stage, though a hiatus may occur in the upper aspect of ventral circumference
Pubic tubercle is separated from the symphyseal face through definition of upper extremity
Symphyseal face must have a distinct rim
Ventrally, bony ligamentous outgrowths may occur in inferior portion of pubic bone adjacent to symphyseal face
Slight lipping may appear on dorsal border

Question 5

phase 5

Answer 5

Slight depression of the face relative to completed rim
Moderate lipping is usually found on the dorsal border with prominent ligamentous outgrowths on the ventral border
Little or no rim erosion, though breakdown possible on superior aspect of ventral border

Question 6

phase 6

Answer 6

Symphyseal face shows on-going depression as rim erodes
Ventral ligamentous attachments are marked
Pubic tubercle may appear as a separate bony knob
Face may be pitted or porous, giving an appearance of disfigurement as the on-going process of erratic ossification proceeds
Crenulations may occur, with the shape of the face often irregular