AGE DETERMINATION FROM EPIPHYSEAL UNION OF BONES AT ANKLE JOINT IN GIRLS OF VALSAD DISTRICT

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: There is an increasing demand or challenge for age estimations for both forensic and bioarchaeological contexts. Exact age of individuals can be obtained from only certified documents. The principal methods used for age determination are those of carban dating, radiology, tooth morphology, physical, biochemistry and knowledge of ossification. All over the world it has been proved that the study of epiphyseal union of bones is considered a reasonably accurate and accepted method for age determination. Owing to variation in climatic, dietetic, hereditary and other factors like hormones affecting the people of the different states of India, it cannot be reasonably expected to formulate a uniform standard for the determination of the age of the union of epiphyses for the whole of India. AIM AND OBJECTIVES: To procure radiology films of ankle joint of both sides of girls aged between 13 to 20 years from Valsad and to assess whether the data correlate or contradict the findings of different authors in other parts of India. Material and METHODS: A total of 72 girls participated in this study. The subjects included students of schools, College from Valsad district aged between 13 to 20 years. X ray was taken after physicians’ evaluation in the department of Radiology. Skeletal maturity was evaluated as Appearance, Non fusion (NF), Partial fusion (PF), and complete fusion (CF). Results and DISCUSSION: In 16- 20 age group 3 (4.17%) girls shows partial fusion at distal end of fibula while 41 (56.90%) shows complete fusion at distal end of fibula. In 16-20 age group at distal end of tibia complete fusion was observed in 42 (58.33%) while partial fusion was observed in 3 (4.17%).In 15-20 age group at distal end of tibia complete fusion was observed in 55 (76.39%).Conclusion: The ossification at the ankle joint in females of Valsad  is completed in all instances (100%)at the age of 15-20 year. To evaluate life style changes, studies are recommended in different regions of India at regular interval for academic and judicial interest.