Magnetic resonance imaging of the knee for chronological age estimation—a systematic review

Ording-Müller, Lil-Sofie; Adolfsson, Jan; Forsberg, Lisa; Bring, Johan; Dahlgren, Jovanna; Domeij, Helena; Gornitzki, Carl; Wernersson, Emma; Odeberg, Jenny

doi:10.1007/s00330-023-09546-8

Cited by 5 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 44 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…Different MRI devices and scanning protocols make it difficult to assess and score epiphyseal fissure fusion. The observer's experience as well as the calibration of the device have an impact on image interpretation [30][31][32][33].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Improving the Age Estimation Efficiency by Calculation of the Area Ratio Index Using Semi-Automatic Segmentation of Knee MRI Images

et al. 2023

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

The knee is an anatomical structure that can provide a great deal of data for research on age estimation. The aim of this study was to evaluate and apply a method for semi-automatic measurements of the area under the growth plate closure of the femur distal epiphysis and the growth plate closure itself on the 2D coronary slices using T2 weighted images (T2WI) generated on magnetic resonance (MRI) devices of different technical and technological characteristics. After the semi-automatic segmentation of the femur distal epiphysis under the growth plate closure and the growth plate closure itself, the areas of the measured closures were calculated using MATLAB version: 9.12. (R2022a), MathWorks Inc., Natick, MA, USA, for each individual coronal slice. The area ratio index (ARI) was calculated as the ratio between the area under the growth plate closure of the femur distal epiphysis and the growth plate closure itself. The study sample consisted of 27 female and 23 male Caucasian participants aged 10 to 26 years. A total of 339 T2WI images were used for ARI calculations. There was a positive correlation between chronological age and the average ARI measured by three independent observers (r = 0.8280, p < 0.001). Multiple regression analysis did not show any significant impact of the technical and technological characteristics of the MRI devices on ARI. The results of this study showed that ARI could serve as a useful tool for age estimation using knee MRI as well as for the further development of artificial intelligence (AI) applications.

show abstract

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Improving the Age Estimation Efficiency by Calculation of the Area Ratio Index Using Semi-Automatic Segmentation of Knee MRI Images

et al. 2023

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

Forensic age estimation by MRI of the knee – comparison of two classifications for ossification stages in a German population

Malokaj,

MF,

et al. 2024

Int J Legal Med

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Aim and objectives In forensic age estimation e.g. for judicial proceedings surpassed age thresholds can be legally relevant. To examine age related differences in skeletal development the recommendations by the Study Group on Forensic Age Diagnostics (AGFAD) are based on ionizing radiation (among others orthopantomograms, plain x-rays of the hand). Vieth et al. and Ottow et al. proposed MRI-classifications for the epiphyseal-diaphyseal fusion of the knee joint to define different age groups in healthy volunteers. The aim of the present study was to directly compare these two classifications in a large German patient population. Materials and methods MRI of the knee joint of 900 patients (405 female, 495 male) from 10 to 28 years of age were retrospectively analyzed. Acquired T1-weighted turbo spin-echo sequence (TSE) and T2-weighted sequence with fat suppression by turbo inversion recovery magnitude (TIRM) were analyzed for the two classifications. The different bony fusion stages of the two classifications were determined and the corresponding chronological ages assigned. Differences between the sexes were analyzed. Intra- and inter-observer agreements were determined using Cohen’s kappa. Results With the classification of Ottow et al. it was possible to determine completion of the 18th and 21st year of life in both sexes. With the classification of Vieth et al. completion of the 18th year of life for female patients and the 14th and 21st year of life in both sexes could be determined. The intra- and inter-observer agreement levels were very good (κ > 0.82). Conclusion In the large German patient cohort of this study it was possible to determine the 18th year of life with for both sexes with the classification of Ottow et al. and for female patients with the classification of Vieth et al. It was also possible to determine the 21st year of life for all bones with the classification of Ottow et al. and for the distal femur with the classification of Vieth et al.

show abstract

Application of Vieth staging in forensic age estimation in the living using MRI of the distal radial epiphysis

Ekizoglu,

Er,

Bozdag

et al. 2024

Int J Legal Med

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Forensic age estimation is crucial in various legal and civil contexts, particularly in regions experiencing significant migration and inadequate birth registration systems. This study evaluates the applicability of the Vieth staging system for forensic age estimation in the living using MRI of the distal radial epiphysis. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 620 left wrist MRI scans from individuals aged 9.92 to 29.58 years. The study demonstrated high intra- and inter-observer agreement values (κ = 0.974 and κ = 0.961), confirming the method’s reliability. Spearman’s rank correlation analysis showed significant positive correlations between age and ossification stage for both sexes. The minimum ages observed for males were 9.92 years at stage 2, 15.00 years at stage 3, 15.00 years at stage 4, 17.00 years at stage 5, and 20.00 years at stage 6. For females, the minimum ages were 10.08 years at stage 2, 12.33 years at stage 3, 14.25 years at stage 4, 16.33 years at stage 5, and 18.42 years at stage 6. The study supports the applicability of the Vieth methodology for forensic age estimation in the living and suggests that MRI could be a non-invasive and potentially effective tool for determining critical age thresholds in forensic contexts. Further research is recommended to refine these methods and explore their applicability across different populations.

show abstract

Magnetic resonance imaging of the knee for chronological age estimation—a systematic review

Cited by 5 publications

References 44 publications

Improving the Age Estimation Efficiency by Calculation of the Area Ratio Index Using Semi-Automatic Segmentation of Knee MRI Images

Improving the Age Estimation Efficiency by Calculation of the Area Ratio Index Using Semi-Automatic Segmentation of Knee MRI Images

Forensic age estimation by MRI of the knee – comparison of two classifications for ossification stages in a German population

Application of Vieth staging in forensic age estimation in the living using MRI of the distal radial epiphysis

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About