Forensic age estimation in migrants: Where do we stand?

Abstract

Many countries have to respond to an influx of an increased number of refugees and asylum seekers, whose management depends on if they are minors. The age estimation, including forensic opinion, is complex and has serious implications. Several guidelines were published, in particular by The Study Group on Forensic Age Diagnostics of the German Association of Forensic Medicine (Schmeling et al., 2008(Schmeling et al., , 2016. Forensic age estimation must contain, at first, an investigation into the medical history of the individual, to identify diseases or treatments that could interfere with growth. The skeletal development is, along with the dental development, the most important criterion for this estimation. For the skeleton, we use the comparison of hand and wrist radiographs with the atlas of Greulich and Pyle (Greulich, 1959), and the Schmeling's method with a CT-scan of the medial extremity of the clavicle, defining stages, and substages of ossification according to Kellinghaus et al. Dental imaging allows an evaluation of the stage of development of the crown and root, using Demirjian's stages (Demirjian et al., 1973). These methods are minimally irradiating, which is essential as they are used for a nonmedical goal. We know that, even using multiple methods, it is impossible to define a precise age, due to variability among the individuals and their respective origins. The results have to be expressed as minimum age, and the mean age with standard deviations. The majority and the claimed age have to be addressed. It is necessary to have a multidisciplinary evaluation carried out by qualified individuals.

Artificial Intelligence in Dentistry

“…Determination of gender and age from skeletal remains is an important issue in forensic studies. Age estimation is an important aid, from identifying individuals and injured persons in natural disasters to resolving forensic cases [95,96]. Teeth are hard and not easily destroyed tissues in the human body, and their shape remains unchanged and intact after the individual dies.…”

Age Assessment through Root Lengths of Mandibular Second and Third Permanent Molars Using Machine Learning and Artificial Neural Networks

“…Age estimation plays a remarkable role in forensic medicine. From identifying individuals and casualties in natural disasters to decrypting medico-legal cases, it effectively assists in narrowing search possibilities [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]. Age estimation methods also help to assess instances of legal maturity in judging prosecution as a juvenile or as an adult, which aids in deciding the severity of punishment for criminal offenses.…”