Age estimation of epiphyseal union around wrist joint and its correlation with chronological age: A radiological study in Qassim population, Saudi Arabia

In forensic anthropology, age estimation is one of the most important aspects of analysis. The use of radiographic data for age estimation based on the epiphyseal union is a scientifically approved and widely accepted method. X-ray images of the right wrist joint of 281 patients (143 males and 138 females) aged 12-22 years were retrospectively examined and the stages of union at the distal epiphyses of radius and ulna were assessed, to estimate age in a Qassim population, Saudi Arabia. The distal epiphyses of radius and ulna fused completely at 18-19 years in females and 19-20 years in males. Mean age gradually increased and varied with each stage of union, with a statistically significant difference of the females' and males' comparable means. Females experienced epiphyseal union one year earlier than males. The ROC curve showed 90.9% accuracy in males and 90.6% in females. The findings of this study indicate that radiographic analysis of the union at distal epiphyses of radius and ulna is a helpful technique for estimation of chronological age. When compared to other studies, the results showed limited variance among different population groups.