1Assistant Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, J.J.M. Medical College, Davanagere-577004
2Professor and Head, Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, J.J.M. Medical College, Davanagere-577004
Online published on 11 October, 2012.
Determination of age is the common problem that demands forensic expertise. Various studies conducted in India and abroad for estimation of age from long bones revealed that there exists no uniform pattern for epiphyseal union of long bones. The pattern is also different in different regions of the same country. The present study was conducted to estimate age from epiphyseal union at wrist joint.
Radiographs (PA View) of left hand including wrist joint of 120 subjects (60 boys and 60 girls) of age ranging from 15–19 years were studied among subjects in Davangere district of central Karnataka. Stevensons classification of epiphyseal union was used to study the radiographs.
The results of the study showed that the average age of fusion of lower end of ulna is 15–16 years in females and 18–19 years in males and the average age of fusion of lower end of radius is 16–17 years in females and 18–19 years in males. It was concluded from the study that the exact and precise age of an individual cannot be stated, but a range can be given by radiological examination. Females show early union of epiphysis by 1–3 years when compared to males. The results of present study also show appreciable variation in time of union of epiphysis when compared with the observation made by previous workers.
Age Estimation, Epiphyseal Union, Radiographs, Wrist Joint, Forensic Radiology
