Loss of alignment and over riding of bones of cranial vault seen in

spadling sign Loss of alignment and over riding of the bones of cranial vault occurs due to shrinkage of the brain after death. This is known as spadling's sign. It may be detected within a few days of death of fetus in utero. Ref: TEXTBOOK OF FORENSIC MEDICINE AND TOXICOLOGY KRISHNAN VIJ FIFTH EDITION PAGE NO 148