Emedinews:Insights on Medicolegal issues: Estimation of bone age

• The lower end of radius bone fuses at the age of 16-17 years in male; in the case of female it fuses at the age of 17-18 years.
• The lower end of ulna fuses at the age of 18 years in case of male and in case of female it fuses at the age of 17 years.
• If the fusion of radius and ulna is seen in both, the attainment of age of 18 years cannot be ruled out.
• To be radiologically more specific and precise as recommended for forensic opinion, an X-ray of hip bone for crest of ilium and ischial tuberosity should be done since their fusion in male or female occurs between 18-20 years.
• The radiological examination for appearance and fusion of ossification centre of left hand if the person is right-handed and vice-versa should be advised/ considered more safely by doctor since it gives more reliable radiological picture due to less wear and tear.