The iliac crest epiphysis begins to unite at approximately 14–15 years and completes fusion by 18–21 years. In the Indian medico-legal context, incomplete union of the iliac crest epiphysis on pelvic X-ray most reliably places the individual's age as:
- A Below 14 years
- B Above 21 years
- C Between 14–21 years (adolescent range, relevant to Juvenile Justice Act) ✓
- D Above 25 years
Explanation
In India, the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act 2015 defines a child as a person below 18 years. Forensic age estimation uses pelvic X-ray to assess iliac crest epiphyseal union: non-union indicates <14–15 years (unfused), partial union indicates 14–21 years, and complete union indicates >18–21 years. An incompletely fused iliac crest therefore places the individual in the 14–21-year range, which overlaps the legal threshold of 18 years, requiring additional age markers for confirmation. This distinction matters in criminal and sexual offence cases.
Reference: The Essentials of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology (Narayan Reddy), 34th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.