Epiphyseal Union and Age

Abstract

HomeRadiologyVol. 8, No. 2 PreviousNext EditorialEpiphyseal Union and AgePublished Online:Feb 1 1927https://doi.org/10.1148/8.2.165MoreSectionsPDF ToolsImage ViewerAdd to favoritesCiteTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked In AbstractAlthough the time of union of the various epiphyses, and the sequence of their union, have long been known to bear a relationship to age, authorities have differed anywhere from three to eleven years in the dates that they have assigned for union in various parts of the skeleton. A recent investigation, based on an intensive study of 109 age-known normal skeletons, affirms that “the sequence of union among the various epiphyses is observed to be exactly the same in every individual,” and that within the limitations of the period of activity, which lies between the ages of 15 and 20, epiphyseal union is the most reliable of the various age indicators in the skeleton. With respect to age determination, the bones fall into two groups. In the group of long bones, the time of epiphyseal union is remarkably constant; in the other group, made up of the innominate, scapula, ribs and clavicle, the date of union is subject to some individual variation. A single bone may tell much concerning the age of an individual. For instance, in the humerus, the distal extremitv unites early in the period of activity ; the proximal extremity, late in the period. Accurate determination of age, however, depends on correlation of the stages of the union found in various bones rather than on the condition in any single portion of the skeleton. By the employment of the “epiphyseal key” that has been developed, the age at death of any person whose skeleton is preserved can be worked out. If confirmed, the importance of this work will be great to anatomists, archeologists and medicolegal experts.Article HistoryPublished in print: Feb 1927 FiguresReferencesRelatedDetailsRecommended Articles RSNA Education Exhibits RSNA Case Collection Vol. 8, No. 2 Metrics Altmetric Score PDF download