Estimation of age by ultrasonography of radius and ulna

Abstract

Background Age estimation is very important task for the forensic practitioner in criminal and civil cases. X-rays of different joint to see the ossification centers is routinely used, to assess the age and at the same patient exposes to radiation. On the other hand ultrasonography is scarcely used for this purpose and is radiation free. Keeping this in mind we undertook this study. Aims To compare the usefulness of ultrasonography and X-rays in estimation of age up to 18 years and to find the advantages and disadvantages of ultrasonography over X-rays in estimation of age. Methods 53 Children of the age, new born to the 18 years of both sexes, underwent X-rays and Ultrasonography of “distal end of radius and ulna, and proximal of end of radius”. X-rays was done in the anterior posterior view and, ultrasonography was done in sagittal and transverse view. Age was deduced separately by X-rays films and Ultrasonography. Observer was blind to the actual age of the subjects. Results We found, there was a “fair” degree of the agreement between X-rays and ultrasonography. Sensitivity and specificity of ultrasonography was 74.3% and 70% respectively. Both X-rays and ultrasonography showed excellent correlation. Conclusion We recommend ultrasonography can be used to estimate age without undue risk of radiations; however X-rays are still the conventional method for age estimation. By conducting more studies by ultrasonography on different ossification centers and on larger population, USG can be made a valid alternative of X-rays.