Forensic Age Estimation Based on Fusion of the Lateral Clavicular Epiphysis among Kenyan Population

Abstract Background: Clavicle is the first bone to start ossification, yet last one to fully mature. The maturation of lateral epiphyseal plates of clavicle has received little attention, yet it could provide valuable data on age estimation. The current study aims to estimate the chronological age (CA) of the living using the maturation process of the acromial end of the clavicle. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study in which 834 chest radiographs were collected retrospectively from select Diagnostic imaging Centers, after ethical approval was obtained. The growth patterns of the epiphyseal plates of the acromioclavicular end of the clavicle were then assessed and recorded in line with Langley’s (2015) scoring system. A linear regression test was used to model the relationship between the CA and the estimated chronological age at a P value of < 0.05. Results: Of the total sample population, 51.7% were male and 48.3% were female. The mean age observed in Stage 1 was 18.26 ± 2.55 and 18.15 ± 2.49 years in males and females, respectively. Stage 2 was observed at 23.44 ± 1.13 in males and 23.53 ± 1.40 years in females, while Stage 3, the mean age was 27.60 ± 1.70 in males and 27.69 ± 165 years in females. The chronological age was estimated among the Kenyan population with a margin of error of ± 1.44 years. Conclusion: In the current population, the acromial end of the clavicle proved valuable in assessing the age of undocumented persons with a narrow margin of error. However; it is more likely to under predict one’s age using this method by a few months.