Stages of Epiphyseal Fusion at the Distal End of Radius and Ulna in Nigeria; A Radiological study

Okoro Ogheneyebrorue Godswill; Isioma Cynthia Nwaokoro; Owhefere Great Owhefere; Akindugbagbe Titilayo Felicia; Oladunni Abimbola Ebeye

doi:10.36437/irmhs.2022.5.5.A

Okoro Ogheneyebrorue Godswill Department of Human Anatomy, Achievers University, Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria.
Isioma Cynthia Nwaokoro Department of Human Anatomy, Achievers University, Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria.
Owhefere Great Owhefere Department of Human Anatomy, Achievers University, Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria.
Akindugbagbe Titilayo Felicia Department of Human Anatomy, Achievers University, Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria.
Oladunni Abimbola Ebeye Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Biology, Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.36437/irmhs.2022.5.5.A

Keywords: Epiphysis, Radius, Radiography, Ulna

Abstract

Introduction: There is an increasing demand for age determination in living individuals for forensic and bioarchaeological contexts, especially in regions or countries where documentation is not properly made. This study was done to determine the difference between the stages of fusion of the epiphysis at the ulnar and radial ends.

Materials and Methods: Anterior-posterior radiographys of the radius's and ulna's distal ends with 185 females and 199 males aged between 9-19 years were assessed. Four (4) stages of fusion were noted; stage 0: nonfusion, stage 1: appearance, stage 2: partial fusion, and stage 3: complete fusion. Ethical Clearance was obtained from the Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara. Data were analyzed with the aid of the Chi-square test.

Results: It was shown that the appearance of the epiphyseal centres at the ulnar and radial ends of males and females began at the age of 9-16. Females reached complete fusion earlier compared to that males.

Conclusion: It was found that radiographic investigation of the radius's and ulna's distal ends is an alternative for the determination of age where other means of age estimation have failed.

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