[Investigating methods for age estimation (1). Height of the apex of the medullary cavity of the humerus].

The relationship between age and the height of the proximal apex of the medullary cavity of humerus was investigated on 13 male bodies (29-62 years) and 12 female bodies (22-80 years) and a provisional criterion for age estimation was obtained. When the apex is (1) at a height of the surgical neck, the estimated age is under 50 years in both sexes, (2) at the epiphyseal line, over 50 years in males, and from 50 to 75 years in females. In a few cases, however, the apex reaches the line even in the very young age group (20-30 years). (3) When a cavity or rough structure is present above the line in addition to phase (2), the estimated age is over 75 years in females, but unknown in males. We also discuss the validity of Koshinaga's criterion (1951).