Age Estimation from Radiological Study of Epiphyseal Fusion Around Wrist Joint in Male Population of North East Madhya Pradesh

Abstract

Apart from identification, determination of age is required in various civil and criminal cases. Age estimation by observing appearance and fusion of ossification centres is most accurate and reliable method which is implemented universally. However, it is not possible to establish a uniform standard for age estimation from appearance and fusion of ossification centres for whole India as there is disparity in the timing of appearance and fusion of ossification centres in Indian population due to various factors. Hence, this descriptive observational study was conducted to estimate average age of fusion of ossification centres at lower end of radius and ulna in male population of North East Madhya Pradesh. Total 80 cases in the age group of 12 to 20 years attending the OPD of this tertiary care centre were included in the study. X-rays of both wrists were taken in anteroposterior view at Dept. of Radiology after taking written informed witnessed consent from parents and legal guardians of patients and examined in Dept. of Forensic Medicine.Age of fusion of lower end of radius and ulna is found to be 17-18 years in males of North East Madhya Pradesh.