Age Estimation from Distal End of Tibia Epiphysis

Identification of an individual, whether living or dead can be done by many techniques. Age estimation of living is one of the most important issuesfor the courtsas well as for the medicolegal experts. The identification of a living person is based on known finger prints, birth marks, characteristic gestures, movements, shape and other features of the teeth, eyes, hair or voice but these are susceptible to mistakes. Photographs and handwriting may also help in the identification of a living person. This significant oversight can lead to exclusion of persons of interest in a Forensic investigation.

The range of variation in epiphyseal fusion in Punjabi population has not been sufficiently established.The present study was undertaken on 100 individuals from Punjab (50 males and 50 females) between the age group of 16 to 25 years. Radiological examination of ankle joint was done to know the age at which epiphyseal fusion of the distal end of tibia takes place.The study showed that in males in age group 16–17 years, the centre appeared but no union occurred in three cases (30%), and in five cases (50%) complete union occurred. In all other age groupsstudied, complete union occurred in 100% of the cases. In females, complete union of the epiphyses at distal end of tibia and fibula occurred in all the age groups studied.