A radiograph of the wrist of an infant of disputed age is obtained for forensic age estimation. Which pair of carpal bones are the FIRST to show ossification?

• A Triquetral and pisiform
• B Scaphoid and lunate
• C Trapezium and trapezoid
• D Capitate and hamate ✓

Explanation

The capitate and hamate are the first carpal bones to ossify, their centres appearing within the first few months of life, so their presence confirms the infant is at least 3 to 6 months old. The triquetral appears around 2 to 3 years, the scaphoid, trapezium and trapezoid around 5 to 6 years, and the pisiform last at 10 to 12 years. This predictable sequence makes carpal ossification a graded scale for early childhood age estimation.

Reference: Gray's Anatomy, 42nd ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.