Comparative Study of Various Human Ossification Centers From 10 Years to 20 Years of Age

Abstract

Introduction: The appearance and fusion of different ossification centers has a sequence. The process
of union of epiphysis and diaphysis is called fusion and the fusion is a process, not an event. This study
is an attempt to compare various human ossification centers radiologically in both males and females
for estimation of age.
Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective study based on the radiological findings from the cases
referred to the Dept of forensic medicine, Rangaraya medical college, Kakinada. X-rays of shoulder,
elbow, wrist and pelvis are utilized for this study. Age range of cases we studied was 10-20yrs of age.
Ossification centers for upper end of humerus, medial epicondyle, upper end of radius, lower end
of ulna, lower end of radius, pisiform, base of first metacarpal, iliac crest, femur head and greater
trochanter were studied in relation to each other. The ossification process is divided into 7 progressive
stages (0-6) based on the stage of appearance and fusion of the ossification centers. Master charts were
prepared for boys and girls separately and analyzed.
Results and Conclusion: Radiological findings of shoulder, elbow, wrist and pelvis from a total of 109
belonging to the females and 40 belonging to the males were studied and a point score taking Gray’s
anatomy as standard and making correction for Indians is given to the 10 ossification centers studied. It
is found that with increasing age the point score is increasing. It is found that the point score in females
is higher than in males at a given age in majority of cases indicating ossification process concluding
early in females than in males.