Forensic Validity of the Third Molar Maturity Index ($I_{3\text{M}}$) for Age Estimation in a Russian Population

Abstract

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to test the accuracy of the third molar maturity index ( I 3 M ) cut-off value (0.08) to distinguish between individuals above and below the adult age of legal responsibility (18 years) in a Russian population. A sample of 571 digital panoramic radiographs of healthy Russian minors and young adults (363 females and 208 males), aged between 14 and 24 years, was evaluated. The lower left third molars were analyzed by applying the cut-off value of 0.08 determined by Cameriere et al. (2008). Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient ( ρ c ) and Cohen’s kappa coefficient ( κ ) showed that repeatability and reproducibility are high for both intra- and interobserver errors. The I 3 M value decreased with age in both sexes. Age distribution gradually decreases as I 3 M increases in both girls and boys. In the male group, molar maturity stages 0-0.04, 0.04-0.08, 0.08-0.3, 0.3-0.5, and 0.9-1.4 were reached slightly earlier than in the female group. The results demonstrated that sensitivity is 0.96 in boys and 0.93 in girls; associated specificity values were both 0.98. The cut-off value of I 3 M is statistically robust and thus valid for forensic application in a Russian population to determine whether or not a subject has reached 18 years of age. Finally, we compared our results with those of other studies in which the same I 3 M cut-off value was tested on different populations. The method is novel as it is reliable and easily reproducible, thus ensuring a universal way of comparing the results obtained (based on a cut-off value) among many populations, in order to develop an ever-increasing database.

Anthropometric analysis of orbital and nasal parameters for sexual dimorphism: New anatomical evidences in the field of personal identification through a retrospective observational study

“…To understand whether this nasal anatomical variation is due to the adaptation of the Kosovar population to the specific environment or whether it concerns other ethnic groups, broadly speaking, it would be useful to extend the analysis to other neighboring and non-neighboring populations. Furthermore, for the purpose of forensic identification, it will be useful to verify any anthropometric differences in relation to age, as well as to supplement the method with other already known or innovative methods for age estimation [ 51 , 52 ].…”

Liability and Medico-Legal Implications in Estimating the Likelihood of Having Attained 14 Years of Age in Pediatric Clinical Practice: A Pilot Study

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Forensic Age Estimation from Lower Third Molar Maturity Index

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