Radiological Examination of Elbow Joint: An Authentic Tool for Forensic Age Estimation

Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency of extent of fusion of epiphysis in the bones of elbow joint (lower ends of humerus and upper ends of radius and ulna).

Study Design: Descriptive observational study

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Forensic Medicine and Radiology Departments, Govt. Khawaja Muhammad Safdar Medical College from October 2019 to September 2020.

Materials and Methods: Two hundred patients between aged 13-21 years were selected for this study. X-rays of elbow joint were taken in anteroposterior view to visualize the changes in epiphysis and diaphysis and extent of union. Subjects with fractured, malnourished and congenitally malformed elbow joint were excluded from the study after expert opinion from orthopedic surgeon.

Results: The complete fusion of epiphyses of the bones around elbow joints was observed at age of 19-21 years (Stage 4) in males and at age of 16-18 years (Stage 4) in females. Present study found that union of epiphyses of distal humerus and proximal radius and ulna appear in females earlier than in males.

Conclusion: 100% complete union of elbow joint bones, in male cases is at 19-21 year, and 100% complete union of bones of elbow joint in female cases is at the age of 16-18 years.