Age Estimation Using Chronological Changes In The Epiphyseal Ends Of The Clavicle

The determination of an individual’s age is an important aspect of forensic medicine. The clavicle has the longest period of growth; therefore, it has been investigated by various researchers in order to establish a reliable age indicator when all other epiphyseal age indicators have already been inactivated. Several authors have developed different techniques of age determination using the clavicle, however, there is still no standard system agreed upon with respect to use of the clavicle in age assessment. The use of X-rays has proved that the onset and fusion of the medial epiphysis of the clavicle can be used to determine an individual’s chronological age. Thus, the purpose of this review article is to present the different methods of age estimation using the clavicle and to discuss the variations in the time frame of the ossification of the medial clavicular end as reported by previous researchers.