Age Estimation among 12-18 Years Children by Studying the Ossification Centers of Hip Joint and Pelvis

Abstract

Background: Bone age is an indicator of the skeletal and biological maturity of an individual. Skeletal ossification progression studies are one of them and are admissible in court as unparalleled scientific evidence for age estimation. Age group of juveniles between 12 - 18 years is dealt with special laws for medico- legal cases.
Aims & Objective: To observe age of appearance and fusion of ossification centers of hip joint and pelvic bone in adolescent population of Jaipur.
Material & Methodology: An observational prospective study that used inclusion and exclusion criteria was
conducted. Healthy Adolescents of 12-18 years of age group from Jaipur were taken in the study. The present
study had been conducted in the Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, SMS Hospital, Jaipur with
Department of Radiology, SMS Medical College and Attached Hospitals, Jaipur during the period from June 2021to May 2022.Result & Observation: Appearance of triradiate cartilage was found earliest at the age of 12 – 13 years in bothsexes, complete fusion was found earliest at the age 13 - 14 years in females and 14 – 15 years in males. Appearance of ossification centre of Ischial Tuberosity was found earliest at the age of 12 – 13 years in males and females; old fusion is earliest found at the age of 17 - 18 years in females and was not found in males. Appearance of ossification centre of Iliac Crest was found earliest at the age of 12 – 13 years in males and females; old fusion is earliest found at the age of 17 - 18 years in both male & females. Appearance of ossification centre of Pubis was found earliest at the age of 12 – 13 years in males and females; old fusion is earliest found at the age of 17 - 18 years in females and was not found in males.
Conclusion: Appearance and fusion of ossification centers for hip joint & pelvis joint can be implemented in
routine forensic practice for 12 – 18 years age group to opine about age of subjects with lesser age range.