Résumé
Objective: To determine the mean age of fusion of medial end of clavicle by radiography
Study Design: Cross-sectional study
Place and Duration of Study: Departments of Forensic Medicine, Dow Medical College and Ziauddin University, Karachi, from June 2010 to May 2011
Methodology: The subjects for this study were selected from various government colleges of Karachi. The subjects were analyzed for age and further confirmation was done by interviews where birth records and other physical parameters of age were also assessed. X-rays chest PA view was taken focusing on the medial end of clavicle; and were examined by a consultant radiologist and complete fusion of the medial end was noted. P-value less than 0.05 was considered significant
Results: The mean age of fusion of medial end of the clavicle was found to be 21 +/- 1.43 years. Significant difference was observed in male to female age of fusion 21.14 +/- 1.41 years versus 20.65 +/- 1.94 years [p > 0.05]. Similarly, statistically significant differences were observed between lower to middle income class and higher income class of all society. No difference was observed among various ethnic groups
Conclusion: Socio-economic factors, such as diet and nutrition, directly affect bone growth and hence bones' age. The results of fusion of the medial end of the clavicle are not affected by ethnicity; however, it is significantly affected by gender. More studies should be conducted in various parts of the country to make a natural standard in setting up uniform criteria for assessing age at or above 21 years