Age of fusion of the distal radial and ulnar epiphyses from hand radiographs-A study in Kashmiri population

- Estimation of skeletal age is important for various medico legal cases.
- The Skeletal ages show great variations throughout the world.
- The age of fusion for radial and ulnar epiphyses in 100% males is 18 to 19 years.
- The age of fusion for radial and ulnar epiphyses in 100% females is 17 to 18 years.
- Since Kashmir is a conflict zone, standard for epiphyseal fusion becomes important.

Age estimation is a crucial parameter involved in investigations pertaining to civil and criminal procedures. It also aids in various examinations in forensic medicine, pediatrics, endocrinology and radiology. One of the important methods for skeletal age estimation is the age of fusion of the epiphyses. But there occur variations in the skeletal ages due to environmental, hormonal, ethnic and other factors. Hence, there arises the need for separate standards of ossification for different regions.The present study was conducted to ascertain the age of fusion of the distal radial and ulnar epiphyses in Kashmiri population. A total of 160 healthy subjects, including 80 males and 80 females with ages ranging from 12 to 20 years were studied. Their chronological age was obtained and the X-ray of their left hand was taken in the A.P view after taking the consent from their parents. The starting of epiphyseal fusion in lower end of radius in male was observed at 15-16 years in 20% of the male population and for females, it was observed at 13-14 years in 10% of the female population. The completion of epiphyseal fusion in lower end of radius in 100% males was noticed at 18-19 years and for 100% females, it was noticed at 17-18 years. The starting up of epiphyseal fusion in lower end of ulna in males was observed at 14-15 years in 10% of the male population and for females, it was observed at 13-14 years in 10% of the female population. The completion of epiphyseal fusion in lower end of ulna in 100% males was noticed at 18-19 years and for 100% females, it was noticed at 17-18 years. In case of males the age of fusion of the epiphyses of lower end of radius and lower end of ulna was found to be in the same age group 18 to 19 years. Also in case of females the age of fusion of the epiphyses of lower end of radius and lower end of ulna was found to be in the same age group 17 to 18 years. It was further observed that females showed fusion in advance of male subjects. The findings of this study were compared with those reported from other states of India and also from other countries.