An Observational Study of Radiological Age & Documented Age in 16–20 Years of Age Group in Jaipur

Abstract

Age estimation is an important exercise undertaken in clinical forensic medicine for various civil & criminal purposes. Present community based Descriptive Observational Study was carried out in S.M.S. Medical College, Jaipur. In this study majority of cases lower end of radius were fused in both genders at 18–20 years of age. The lower end of ulna bone was found to be fused in 69.33% cases. The iliac crest was found fused in 29.34% study subjects. The centre for ischial tuberosity had appeared in 90% males and in 97.44% females between 16–18 years but the process of fusion had not been initiated in any subject below 18 years of age. Complete fusion of ischial tuberosity to the pelvic bone was seen in 40% males and in 19.44% females above 18 years of age. Non-correlation of skeletal age to recorded age as per birth certificates was seen in 36% males and 16% females. Higher discrepancy was observed in rural subjects, non-vegetarian eaters and sports persons. Their skeletal age was ahead of their recorded ages. In a developing country like India, paucity of reliable documentary evidences like birth certificate. Non availability of reliable local data for estimation of age is an incriminating factor for miscarriage of justice.