Age estimation based on appearance of pisiform bone: a radiographic study from North-Karnataka

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Original Article

Author Details : Ramesh C. Patil, Ashfakhussain Magi, Anand Mugadlimath, Rekha Hiremath

Volume : 3, Issue : 4, Year : 2016

Article Page : 240-244

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Abstract

Introduction: Radiographic survey for appearance and fusion of ossification centers of various bones is undoubtedly one of the best methods for age estimation especially in children and adolescents till ossification is complete. The appearance of ossification centers for carpal bones especially for pisiform bone is one of the vital evidence for estimating age in young children between 9 and 13 years.
Material & Methods: The present study to estimate the age of children based on radiographic evaluation of the appearance of ossification center of pisiform bone was undertaken in the department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Al-Ameen medical college Vijayapur. Duration of study period is from July 2014 to August 2016 (two year) and it is a cross sectional study.
Results: The mean age at which males show appearance of pisiform is 9.5+1.71 years and in case of females it is 9.5+1.7 years.  The p value is <0.05 indicating that there is significant age difference in males and females with reference to appearance of ossification center of pisiform bone.
Conclusions: The accurate or precise age of the individual cannot be stated by radiological examination, but a reasonable range of age can be arrived by considering the timing of appearance of ossification centers. Hence application of radiological procedures for assessment of age in living individuals is a reliable method.

Keywords: Pisiform bone, Ossification centers, Medicolegal importance of age, Criminal responsibility

How to cite : Patil R C, Magi A, Mugadlimath A, Hiremath R, Age estimation based on appearance of pisiform bone: a radiographic study from North-Karnataka. Indian J Forensic Community Med 2016;3(4):240-244

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