Radiological Assessment of Chronological Age Using Epiphyseal Fusion of the Pelvic Bones in a subset of Pakistani Adults Aged 18–25 Years.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the stages of epiphyseal fusion around the pelvis using radiographic imaging in individuals aged
18 to 25 years within a subset Pakistani population.
Methodology: The current study was a radiological prospective study, carried out at the Dow Institute of Radiology, Karachi from Dec 2025 till Feb 2026. Radiographs of the Pelvis of the enrolled patients were taken in AP (anterioposterior)
view and the epiphysis of Iliac crest and ischial tuberosity were examined at the pelvic bone for 4 stages of
fusion. Data was entered and analyzed in computer software SPSS 21.0.
Results: In the current study, there were 105 (50%) males and 105 (50%) female patients. Degree 3 fusion of iliac crest
was observed amongst 34 (32.38%) males and 36 (34.29%) females. Degree 3 fusion of Ischial tuberosity was observed
amongst 34 (32.38%) males and 36 (34.29%) females. All the subjects’ (100%, n=27) shows degree 3 fusion of
iliac crest and Ischial tuberosity in age group 25 years.
Conclusion: Our study concludes that epiphysis of iliac crest and Ischial tuberosity fused in majority of the cases in age
group 24-25 years. Earliest fusion of iliac crest occurs at the age of 22 in both males and females. Complete fusion of
Ischial tuberosity occurs at the age of 23 years in males while in females it occurs at the age of 22 years.
Key words: Radiological; Epiphyseal fusion; Pelvis; Iliac crest; Ischial tuberosity.