Age Estimation in Living Individuals

Schmeling, Andreas

doi:10.1002/9781118570654.ch43

Cited by 3 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 97 publications

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“…For living individuals, when birth records and official identification information cannot be obtained or are unreliable, age estimation may be required for institutions that handle criminal cases, civil law, and retirement-related transactions. Intensive migration to Turkey and other European countries has caused a significant increase in the number of foreigners who can not fully document their age [1,3]. Due to the increasing demand by judicial authorities, more studies are being carried out for estimating bone age, so that a more accurate age estimate can be made [4].…”

Section: Introduction and Aimmentioning

confidence: 99%

Age Estimation Based on Computed Tomography Analysis of the Scapula

Karaman,

Can,

Cekdemir

et al. 2024

Medicina

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Background and Objectives: Age estimation from skeletal remains and in living individuals is an important issue for human identification, and also plays a critical role in judicial proceedings for migrants. Forensic analysis of ossification centers is the main evaluation method for age estimation, and ossification degree can be determined using computed tomography analysis. The purpose of this study is to investigate the applicability of CT (computed tomography) in the analysis of left scapula ossification centers, for forensic age estimation in Turkish society. Materials and Methods: We analyzed six ossification centers of the left scapula and these ossification centers are the coracoid, subcoracoid, coracoid apex, acromial, glenoid, and inferior angle ossification centers. A pediatric radiologist analyzed these six ossification centers of the scapula by using a staging method defined by Schmeling et al. in 2004. Two months after the first assessment, 20 randomly selected cases was reanalyzed by the first observer and by another pediatric radiologist. Correlation between the age and ossification stage was assessed using Spearman’s nonparametric correlation test. Linear regression analysis was performed using a backwards model. Cohen’s kappa coefficient was used for evaluating interobserver and intraobserver variability. Results: In this retrospective study, 397 (248 male and 149 female) cases were evaluated. Ages ranged between 7.1 and 30.9. The mean age was 19.83 ± 6.49. We determined a positive significant correlation between the age and the ossification stages of ossification centers analyzed in both sexes. In each ossification center, except inferior angle, all of the stage 1 and 2 cases in both sexes were under 18 years old. Intraobserver and interobserver evaluations showed that reproducibility and consistency of the method was relatively good. Conclusions: The present study indicated that CT analysis of scapula ossification centers might be helpful in forensic age assessment of living individuals and dry bones.

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Section: Introduction and Aimmentioning

confidence: 99%

Age Estimation Based on Computed Tomography Analysis of the Scapula

Karaman,

Can,

Cekdemir

et al. 2024

Medicina

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“…As individuals under the age of 18 have different rights than adults within the scope of asylum in Europe [ 1 – 4 ], forensic age estimation may be required to assess the status of adolescents seeking asylum. On the other hand, to determine which of the criminal laws applicable to adults or children has to be applied, forensic age estimation is mandatory for individuals whose birth date has not been confirmed [ 3 ]. In criminal cases, the important age limits in terms of determining criminal liability are 14, 18, and 21 years in many countries [ 3 , 4 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…On the other hand, to determine which of the criminal laws applicable to adults or children has to be applied, forensic age estimation is mandatory for individuals whose birth date has not been confirmed [ 3 ]. In criminal cases, the important age limits in terms of determining criminal liability are 14, 18, and 21 years in many countries [ 3 , 4 ]. Another area where age estimation gains importance is in sports competitions.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Ultrasonographic assessment of ossification of the distal radial epiphysis for estimating forensic age

Ekizoğlu

Er²,

Buyuktoka³

et al. 2021

Int J Legal Med

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Since forensic age estimation is not a valid medical indication, research on the use of nonionizing methods is increasing. Ultrasonography is a radiological approach that protects patients from radiation exposure and offers special convenience to them. In this study, ultrasonography was used for age estimation by investigating the degree of ossification of the distal radial epiphysis. Its applicability on the Turkish population was investigated. The left wrist of 688 (322 males, 366 females) patients between the ages of 9 and 25 years was prospectively evaluated by ultrasonography. The intra- and interobserver reliabilities in evaluating the distal radial epiphysis and Cohen’s kappa statistics show that the interobserver error was very low, and the kappa value was found to be 0.919. Stage 3 and 4 ossification of the distal radial epiphysis was first detected at age 14.3 and 15.3 years in males and 12.7 and 14.8 years in females, respectively. The data obtained may help determine legally critical age limits of 14 and 15. Although it does not seem useful for the age of 18, ultrasonography may be recommended in selected cases as a fast, inexpensive, frequently reproducible radiological method without concern about radiation and without a predictable health risk.

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Projection radiography of the clavicle: still recommendable for forensic age diagnostics in living individuals?

et al. 2014

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As superimposition effects often impede the evaluation of the ossification status of the medial clavicular epiphysis in standard posterior-anterior (PA) radiographs, additional oblique images (right anterior oblique, RAO, and left anterior oblique, LAO) are currently recommended to allow for reliable stage assessments. The present study examines the influence of the radiographic projection type on stage determination. To this end, 836 sternoclavicular joints were prospectively obtained during forensic autopsies of bodies aged between 15 and 30 years. Subsequently, three different radiographs (PA, RAO, and LAO) were taken from each specimen and separately evaluated as to the developmental stage of the medial clavicular epiphysis. A forensically established five-stage classification system was used. In 25 % of the cases, the medial clavicular epiphysis depicted in an oblique projection showed a different ossification stage than in the PA projection. In at least 10 % of the cases, a higher ossification stage was observed which would have significant disadvantages in criminal proceedings (ethically unacceptable error). In conclusion, the usage of the current radiographic reference data, which rely upon chest radiographs taken as PA projections, appears to be inadmissible for oblique projections. Projection radiography of the clavicle can therefore no longer be recommended for forensic age estimation practice. As to the question of whether an individual has achieved the age of 18 or 21, computed tomography of the clavicle must be regarded as the exclusive method of choice.

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Age Estimation in Living Individuals

Cited by 3 publications

References 97 publications

Age Estimation Based on Computed Tomography Analysis of the Scapula

Age Estimation Based on Computed Tomography Analysis of the Scapula

Ultrasonographic assessment of ossification of the distal radial epiphysis for estimating forensic age

Projection radiography of the clavicle: still recommendable for forensic age diagnostics in living individuals?

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