Radiological indicators for determination of age of consent and criminal responsibility

Objectives: to establish radiological markers, by ossification form of appearances and fusion for determination of Medico legal important ages for consent and criminal responsibility, for our population

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Study design: perspective observational study

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Setting: Department of Radiology and Imaging, Liaquat University Hospital Jamshoro / Hyderabad Sindh

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Study period: June 2006 to December 2008

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Method: Total 1381 Subjects comprising of 617 female and 764 male, free from any musculoskeletal, nutritional and endocrinal disorder and confirmed dates of births were selected, representing the population of Hyderabad city and adjoining areas. The Subjects were divided into 9 groups on the basis of their age and purpose of study. Radiographs of wrist, elbow, shoulder and hip were taken in accordance to the age group and anticipated findings and radiological changes were observed and recorded

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Results: Radiograph of wrist showing ossification of trapezoid at the age of 7 years and pisiform at 12 years in both sexes in 100% of cases proved to be a good indicator of the required age groups. fusion of Epiphysis distal Radius and ulna, proximal Hummers and iliuc crest can be relied upon as age indicator in Females and Males from 16 to 18 years

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Conclusion: The outcome of this study provides more accuracy with a margin of error of +/-2 months and can be utilized for our population with confidence in medico legal disputes