Question

A 16-year-old boy claiming to be 18 years old. Which 2 joints should be checked for age estimation?

• A. Wrist and knee
• B. Hip and elbow
• C. Hip and knee
• D. Head and shoulder

Hint:

The wrist and knee are the best joints to evaluate for age estimation due to the distinct changes in bone maturation that occur in these areas.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

In determining the age of an individual claiming to be older than their actual age, certain joints are typically examined to estimate bone maturity. This assessment leverages the understanding that specific bones fuse at characteristic ages as part of human development.

For a 16-year-old boy, focusing on the following joints can help corroborate his claim of being 18 years old:

• Wrist: Examination of the wrist can reveal the level of ossification in the distal radius and ulna, with fusion generally occurring between ages 17 and 18.
• Knee: By assessing the epiphyseal plates in the femur and tibia, we can estimate maturity, as these structures typically complete fusion around ages 18 to 19.

Thus, the correct answer to determine the boy's age is to check the wrist and knee.