In forensic age estimation of subadult skeletal remains, which of the following is the MOST reliable method for estimating age between 5 and 14 years?

• A Epiphyseal union of long bones
• B Length of long bones
• C Cranial suture closure
• D Dental eruption and calcification stages ✓

Explanation

Dental eruption and calcification stages (assessed radiographically) are the MOST reliable method for age estimation in children aged 5 to 14 years, as dental development is less affected by nutritional and environmental factors than skeletal maturation. Epiphyseal union is more useful after puberty. Cranial suture closure is unreliable before age 30. Long bone length is affected by population and nutrition variation.

Reference: Forensic Medicine and Toxicology: Principles and Practice by K.S. Narayan Reddy, 35th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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