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Updated: Apr 17, 2026
Scanning Skeletal Remains for Bone Mineral Density in Forensic Contexts
Published on: January 29, 2018
Forensic Age Estimation Using Thin-Slice Multidetector CT of the Clavicular Epiphyses Among Adolescent Western
Kui Zhang1, Xiao-Gang Chen, Huan Zhao
1Department of Forensic Pathology, West China School of Preclinical and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China; Department of Forensic Medicine, Zun Yi Medical College, Zun Yi, Guizhou, 563003, China.
Abstract:
Reaching the age of 18 years is the most significant step for criminal proceedings in China. In this study, a population of 752 individuals was recruited to clarify how strong the chronological age relates to clavicular ossification status revealed by CT scans with 1 mm slice thickness in the West China Han population. Finally, the epiphysis was observed to commence fusion in females at 16.28 years and 16.74 years in males and be fully ossified by 25.97 years in females and 25.81 years in males. These findings suggested that ossification of medial clavicular epiphyseal cartilage can be used in age estimation for West China Han population with the age threshold of 18 years. By comparison with previous German studies, our results suggested that the pace of ossification of medial clavicular epiphyseal cartilage may be potentially affected by socioeconomic status.
