Estimation of age from epiphyseal union at the wrist and ankle joints in the capital city of India

Various studies conducted in and outside India for estimation of age from l ong bone joints revealed that unlike other vital parameters no uniform patt ern exists for epiphyseal union of long bones in different countries of the world and also in different parts of the same country. A radiological stud y was conducted in 180 boys and girls of the capital city of India, Delhi, between the age group of 14-20 years to find out the age at which epiphysea l union at wrist and ankle joint takes place. The result of the study showe d that the wrist joint epiphyseal union is completed in all cases in the ag e group of 19-20 years in males and 18-19 years in females. In the ankle jo int, 17-18 years was the age group in males and 16-17 years the age group i n females which showed complete epiphyseal union in all cases. (C) 1998 Els evier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.