Forensic Age Estimation Using Thin-Slice Multidetector CT of the Clavicular Epiphyses Among Adolescent Western Chinese

Reaching the age of 18years is the most significant step for criminal proceedings in China. In this study, a population of 752 individuals was recruited to clarify how strong the chronological age relates to clavicular ossification status revealed by CT scans with 1mm slice thickness in the West China Han population. Finally, the epiphysis was observed to commence fusion in females at 16.28years and 16.74years in males and be fully ossified by 25.97years in females and 25.81years in males. These findings suggested that ossification of medial clavicular epiphyseal cartilage can be used in age estimation for West China Han population with the age threshold of 18years. By comparison with previous German studies, our results suggested that the pace of ossification of medial clavicular epiphyseal cartilage may be potentially affected by socioeconomic status.