The Chronology of Medial Clavicle Epiphysis Ossification using Computed Tomography

Introduction: Age estimation has a paramount importance in forensic practice. Maturation of medial epiphysis of the clavicle plays an important role in age estimation when evaluating individuals between the ages of 13 and 22 years. To get the maximum accuracy in age estimation for criminal proceedings, it is recommended to use maturation stages of the clavicle along with other methods in living as well as deceased. Aim: To assess the relationship between development of the medial clavicular epiphysis and age in an Indian population and to analyse the chronology of maturity of the clavicle using CT. Materials and Methods: In the present retrospective study authors evaluated thin slice multidetector Computed Tomography (CT) images of 462 individuals aged between 10 and 30 years retrieved from the SDM College of Medical Sciences and Hospital, Dharwad. The ossification status of the medial epiphysis of the clavicle was determined using the five stage classification mentioned by Schmeling followed by the statistical analysis using SPSS 17.0. Results: Maturation Stage 2 was first presented at 13 years of age for both sexes, Stage 3 at 16 years in both sexes, Stage 4 at 24 years in females and 22 years in males and the maturation Stage 5 was first presented at 27 years in females and 25 years in males. Conclusion: Present study reveals that the clavicular maturation Stage 2 represent age >13 years, Stage 3 represent age >16 years, Stage 4 represent age >22 years and Stage 5 represent age >25 years for an Indian