Assessment of the fusion of the sternum and the medial clavicular epiphysis for the purpose of age estimation: A conventional radiographic study

Abstract

Age estimation from radiological study of bones is often required in medicolegal practice. Correct age is essential in legal medicine,  medical, social and administrative matters to validate documents. In this study, fusion of xiphoid process and manubrium with body of  sternum, and the fusion of medial end of clavicle was studied in 100 individuals (53 males & 37 females) of 20 to 70 years age group.  It was observed that the xiphoid process starts its union with body of sternum at the age of 36 years and is fused completely by the age  of 44 years in all cases. The manubrium begins to unite with the body of sternum at about 47 years and shows complete fusion at  about 54 years in males, however in females the fusion appears delayed commences at the age of 47 years and completely fuses at the  age of 57 years. It is concluded from the present study that the complete epiphyseal union at medial end of clavicle in population of  Jodhpur region occurred at the age of 22 years, in both males and females.