The most reliable single bone for estimating age in an adult skeleton between 18 and 30 years is:
- A Clavicle (medial end) ✓
- B Iliac crest
- C Femoral head
- D Manubriosternal joint
Correct answer: A. Clavicle (medial end)
Explanation
The medial (sternal) end of the clavicle fuses last among all epiphyses, completing fusion between 25 and 31 years of age. This makes it highly useful for estimating age in the 18-30 year range. Other epiphyses like the iliac crest fuse by 21-23 years, and the femoral head fuses much earlier in adolescence.
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.