Forensic age estimation by ossification of medial clavicular epiphysis using Kellinghaus et al. classification in an Indian Population

Present study aimed to determine the chronology of medial clavicular union for an Indian population. Aretrospective study was conducted by evaluating 556 (227 females and 329 males) Computed Tomographic (CT) images of chest and neck region. The evaluation was carried out based on five stages of maturation described by Schmeling et al. [2004] and sub-stages of stages 2 and 3 by Kellinghaus [2010]. In the results the range, mean age, median, upper quartile, lower quartile, standard deviation and student t test are presented for each stage of ossification. Comparison between males and females revealed statistically significant differences in mean age at maturation stage 1, 3b and 5 which was absent in remaining stages. Maturation stage 3a was first presented at 16 year of age for both sex, stage 3b was first presented at age 18 year in females and 16 year in males and stage 3c was first presented at 21 years for both sex. To conclude the likelihood of whether an Indian individual is at least 16, 18 and 21 years or not can be determined. It is a reliable indicator of chronological age and somatic maturity.