Variables affecting the probability of complete fusion of the medial clavicular epiphysis

• Published in: International journal of legal medicine Vol. 121; no. 6; pp. 463 - 468
• Main Authors: Meijerman, Lynn, Maat, George J R, Schulz, Ronald, Schmeling, Andreas
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Germany Springer Nature B.V 01.11.2007; Springer-Verlag
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; African Continental Ancestry Group; Age Determination by Skeleton - methods; Age Determination by Skeleton - statistics & numerical data; Age Factors; Asian Continental Ancestry Group; Clavicle - diagnostic imaging; Cross-Cultural Comparison; Epiphyses - diagnostic imaging; Ethnic Groups; European Continental Ancestry Group; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Original; Probability; Reproducibility of Results; Sex Factors; Socioeconomic Factors; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
• ISSN: 0937-9827; 1437-1596
• DOI: 10.1007/s00414-007-0189-z

In this study, we have combined data on clavicle fusion from different studies and applied a binomial logistic regression analysis. As such, we aimed to assess whether or not variables such as sex, socioeconomic status, and ethnicity influence the probability of having mature, i.e., completely fused clavicles at a given age. We further explored whether the method of clavicle examination, i.e., diagnosis from either a dry bone specimen, an examination of X-rays, or an examination of computed tomography scans, affects the probability of being diagnosed with mature clavicles. It appeared that only ethnicity did not significantly affect this probability. Finally, we illustrated how the logit model may be used to predict the probability of being diagnosed with mature clavicles.