Baba Siddique Murder News: Accused not a minor, ossification test confirms; we ask expert to explain

We asked Dr Rajiv Thukral, director of orthopaedics at Yatharth Hospitals, Faridabad, to help us understand what an ossification test is and how it works.

“An ossification test is a medical examination used to estimate an individual’s age by assessing the degree of bone development and fusion. This process relies on ossification, where cartilage gradually transforms into bone tissue as a person grows,” Dr Thukral explained.

During the test, X-rays are taken of specific bones, such as those in the wrist, elbow, collarbone, or pelvis. These X-rays are then analysed to evaluate the stages of bone development. Medical professionals compare the ossification of these bones against standard growth charts that indicate typical fusion ages for different bones, allowing them to estimate the individual’s age, he added in an interaction with indianexpress.com.

Ossification tests are most commonly conducted in legal or forensic contexts, particularly in cases where there is uncertainty or dispute regarding an individual’s age, according to Dr Thukral. They are often employed in juvenile crime investigations, sports competitions, or immigration checks, especially when official birth records are lacking or disputed. The test is valuable when determining age is crucial for legal or regulatory reasons.

Ajit Pawar at Baba Siddique’s funeral, conducted with full state honours, in Mumbai on Sunday. (Express photo by Ganesh Shirshekar)

Is it a foolproof method to determine someone’s age?

While the ossification test can provide a valuable estimate of age, it is not a foolproof method, Dr Thukral said. The accuracy of the test can vary, with potential discrepancies of one to two years. Bone growth patterns can be influenced by various factors, including genetics, nutrition, and overall health, leading to differences in ossification rates among individuals.

Legal and forensic experts often recommend using the test with other age-determination methods to enhance accuracy.

Are there other ways to determine a person’s age?

In addition to ossification tests, several other methods can be utilised to determine a person’s age, Dr Thukral said. One common approach is dental examination, as the development and eruption of teeth follow a predictable timeline. Dental X-rays can reveal the stage of tooth development, providing another means of estimating age. Additionally, biological markers found in blood or other tissues can offer insights into a person’s age. However, these methods are generally less common and straightforward than ossification and dental tests.

He added that another method includes examining the age-related changes in the skin and organs, which can also provide clues about a person’s age, although these are more qualitative and subjective assessments. Overall, a combination of tests such as ossification, dental examination, and other biological assessments may yield a more accurate estimate of a person’s age, particularly in legal or medical contexts.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.