Abstract #5290

Multi-factorial forensic age estimation in the living using 3T MRI

Thomas Widek¹, Eva Scheurer^2,3, Thorsten Schwark^1,4, and Pia Genet⁵

¹D&F Institute of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria, ²Institute of Forensic Medicine, Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland, ³Institute of Forensic Medicine, Health Department Basel-Stadt, Institute of Forensic Medicine, Health Department Basel-Stadt, Basel, Switzerland, ⁴Department of Forensic Medicine, Laboratoire national de santé, Dudelange, Luxembourg, ⁵University Center of Legal Medicine, University Hospital of Vaud, Lausanne, Switzerland

Synopsis

Keywords: Adolescents, biology, models, methods, legal medicine, bone , teeth, development

Motivation: The standard procedure established in many countries for the forensic age estimation of living persons is based on radiological examinations with ionizing radiation, which are, however, controversial as there is no medical indication for their use.

Goal(s): The goal was to evaluate MRI as an alternative radiation-free method for age estimation.

Approach: MR examinations of the hand, clavicles, and third molars were performed in 338 subjects. The developmental stage of the regions was assessed using established staging systems, and a latent trait model was used to combine the stages.

Results: The results clearly demonstrated the applicability of MRI in a multifactorial model approach.

Impact: The MR examination of the hand, clavicles, and third molars represents a radiation-free alternative for forensic age estimation in living adolescents. The approach yielded good results when applied in a combined statistical model.

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