Age Estimation Based on Medial Clavicular Epiphyseal Union in A Sample of Egyptian Population Using Multi-Detector Computed Tomography Scan

Abstract

Background Investigating the medial clavicular epiphysis has been crucial in forensic age estimation. Multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) scanning has been proven to be better than other radiological modalities in forensic identification. Aim To estimate the age from medial clavicular epiphyseal union using MDCT scanning in a sample of Egyptian population. Patients and methods This study was conducted on thoracic MDCT scans of 139 Egyptian participants (68 males, 71 females). Their age ranged between 10 and 35 years. The right medial clavicular epiphysis in each computed radiography (CT) image was evaluated to detect the stage of epiphyseal union according to Schmeling and colleagues (2004) classification. Results There was no significant difference between both sexes regarding the frequency of union stages of the right medial clavicular epiphysis. Stage 3 starts at ages 19–35 in males, and ages 17–24 in females while stage 4 appears at ages 25–35 in males and ages 20–33 in females, with significant differences between both sexes (P < 0.001 and 0.001 regarding stage 3 and 4, respectively). Statistically significant correlations (P < 0.001) were detected between the medial clavicular fusion stage and the chronological age in females, males, and both sexes. Univariate linear regression analyses in males, females, and all participants revealed equations for age prediction from the right medial clavicular stages. Conclusions The stages of the right medial clavicular epiphyseal union contributed significantly to age estimation in males, females, and both sexes. Regression equations have been explored, and they warrant further external validation.