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At what age does the xiphoid process unite with the body?

While the xiphoid process is fully cartilaginous at birth, its fusion with the sternal body is a highly variable and unreliable process for precise age estimation. Typically, ossification and fusion occur after age 30, with complete union most often happening during the fourth or fifth decade of life. Factors such as genetics, ethnicity, and overall health influence the exact timing of when the xiphoid process unites with the body.