A review of the chronology of epiphyseal union in the bones at knee and ankle joint.

Determination of the age of an individual from the appearance and the fusion of the ossification centres is a well accepted fact in the field of medical and legal professions. The process of formation of bones is called as “ossification”. Ossification of bone is a diagnostic tool for estimation of age until the process is complete for the particular bone. The long bones of lower limb play a vital role in assessment of age both in living and dry remains. Many scientists have tried to conclude there observations on bones of lower limb owing to differences in regional and environmental factors. Countable differences are noticed in the appearance and fusion activities of ossification centers depending on race geographic distribution and sex. Following is a review of works carried out so far in different regions of country as well as throughout the world.

Age determination in girls of Jodhpur Region by epiphyseal union of bones at ankle joint.

There is no statistical data to establish variation in epiphyseal fusion in Western Rajasthan populations. This significant oversight can lead to exclusion of persons of interest in a forensic investigation. Epiphyseal fusion of the distal tibia and fibula in sixty females was analyzed on radiological basis to assess the range of variation of epiphyseal fusion at each age. In the study the X ray films of the subjects were divided into three groups on the basis of degree of fusion. Firstly, those which were showing No Epiphyseal Fusion (N), secondly those showing Partial Union (P), and thirdly those showing Complete Fusion (C). Observations made were compared with the previous studies. Results indicate that complete fusion in females occurs as early as 14 years in the distal tibia and fibula. All females demonstrated complete fusion by 19 years with no significant differences between ancestral groups.

Age determination in girls of north – eastern region of India.

Epiphyseal union of the elbow, knee, wrist joints and pelvis was studied retrospectively on 104 girls between the age group of 16 -22 yrs to determine the age roentgenographically. Regression formula with the standard errors was derived for the respective joints. The Y-values predicted by the Regression equation may not be valid if they are out side the range of the Y-values used to determine the equation. The present study establishes a reference population for age determination of girls from epiphyseal union in North – Eastern region of India.