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Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology

Published in:

01-06-2011 | Original Article

Age estimation and the medial clavicular epiphysis: analysis of the age of majority in an Australian population using computed tomography

Authors: Richard B. Bassed, Olaf H. Drummer, Christopher Briggs, Aurora Valenzuela

Published in: Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology | Issue 2/2011

Abstract

This study was designed in order to assess the suitability of clavicular development in discriminating whether or not an individual has reached the age of 18 years. The development of the medial clavicular epiphysis was examined in an Australian population using computed tomography as the imaging modality. The sample consisted of individuals who were admitted to the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine, Melbourne, Australia, for the purposes of medico-legal death investigation. Comparisons were made with similar studies conducted on different populations in other countries, which revealed that the Australian population reaches maturity earlier, and the level of left/right asymmetry is higher than in other studies. The high degree of variation in fusion times is discussed, and the consequent effect upon the ability to use this epiphysis as a tool for determining if an individual has reached the age of 18 years is analysed. If an individual in this population has completely fused clavicles at stage 5, then for males they will be at least 18 years of age, with a 99% certainty of being at least 21, and for females they will be at least 20 years old. If at stage three then an individual of either sex will be at least 17 years of age.

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Title: Age estimation and the medial clavicular epiphysis: analysis of the age of majority in an Australian population using computed tomography
Authors: Richard B. Bassed
Olaf H. Drummer
Christopher Briggs
Aurora Valenzuela
Publication date: 01-06-2011
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology / Issue 2/2011
Print ISSN: 1547-769X
Electronic ISSN: 1556-2891
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12024-010-9200-y

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Age estimation and the medial clavicular epiphysis: analysis of the age of majority in an Australian population using computed tomography

Abstract

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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