An 18-year-old male presents for age estimation. Radiograph of the medial clavicle shows that the epiphysis is beginning to fuse but is not completely united. This finding is consistent with which age range?
- A 20–25 years ✓
- B 12–14 years
- C 16–18 years
- D 25–30 years
Correct answer: A. 20–25 years
Explanation
The medial (sternal) epiphysis of the clavicle is the last epiphysis in the body to fuse. It appears radiographically around 16–18 years and does not completely fuse until 25–30 years. The stage of 'beginning to fuse but not complete' corresponds to approximately 20–25 years. This makes clavicular medial epiphyseal fusion the most reliable single radiographic indicator for confirming age above 18 years, which is legally significant for age determination in criminal cases.
Reference: BD Chaurasia's Human Anatomy, 8th ed.
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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.