Journal of Forensic Research

Determining the Ossification Status of Sternal End of the Clavicle using CT and Digital X-ray: A Comparative Study

Abstract

Gakhar GK, Gupta V, Jasuja OP and Khandelwal N

Objective: Age criterion in case of livings plays an important role in clarifying the issues concerning legal
and social aspect. An additional assessment of medial clavicular epiphysis by X-ray or CT examination helps in criminal proceedings to ascertain the age of suspect above 18 years, if skeletal development of hand is complete.
A comparative study was conducted using two radiological techniques i.e. digital Radiography and CT scan to find out the preferred technique for finding the accurate clavicular ossification status for forensic age diagnostics in living subjects above 18 years of age.
Material and method: CT scan images and digital X-rays of a patient population of 100 individuals falling in the age group of 13-30 years (originally preformed for their respective diagnostic purpose) were retrospectively examined for finding the ossification status of clavicle.
Results: It was found that CT scan permitted the evaluation in all the subjects included in the study, but the evaluation was not possible in 6% of the sample with digital X-rays and the results of both modalities were not concordant in 18.5% of the evaluated sample.
Conclusion: It was concluded that CT scan is the better modality for finding the ossification stages of
medial clavicular epiphysis, as the interpretation was easier and the target area could be visualized without the superimposition of other bones in all the cases.