Forensic age estimation from the clavicle using 1.0 T MRI—Preliminary results

Sara Tangmose Larsen; Karl Erik Jensen; Chiara Villa; Niels Lynnerup

doi:10.1016/j.forsciint.2013.10.027

Forensic age estimation from the clavicle using 1.0 T MRI—Preliminary results

Authors:

Larsen, Sara Tangmose ;
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Section of Forensic Pathology, Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Københavns Universitet
Jensen, Karl Erik ;
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unknown
Villa, Chiara ;
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0000-0002-9967-8131
Unit of Forensic Anthropology, Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Københavns Universitet
Lynnerup, Niels
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Unit of Forensic Anthropology, Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Københavns Universitet

DOI:

10.1016/j.forsciint.2013.10.027

Abstract:

OBJECTIVES: As forensic age estimations in the living are performed without medical indication, there is a need for the development of non-ionizing methods. This study investigates the use of 1.0T MRI to visualize the ossification status of the medial end of the clavicle. MATERIAL AND METHODS: T2 weighted 3D images were collected from a 1.0T MR system. We prospectively scanned 102 subjects, 47 autopsy cases and 55 living volunteers (12-33 years). Images were scored in blind trials by three observers using a 4-stage system. Observers differed by level of training and radiological expertise. RESULTS: Motion artefacts reduced image resolution in living subjects. However, mean age at stage 4 was significantly different from mean age at stage 2 and 3. The minimum age at stage 4 was 19.8 years. Inter-observer agreement was moderate for autopsy cases and slight for living subjects. By contrasting subjects of "incomplete fusion" (≤ stage 3 on both sides) against "fused" (at least one stage 4), agreement rate rose to moderate (K=0.414) for living subjects. Despite the low agreement rate, no subject younger than 18 years was assessed as having "fused" clavicles. CONCLUSION: At lower image resolution, a 2-stage system increases agreements rates among observers. To further increase accuracy, clavicle staging needs to be performed by trained observers. If available, a 1.0T MR system may be used for age estimation in the living. However, further studies are needed to ensure that the ability to discriminate adults from minors, i.e. 18 years, is maintained.

Type:

Journal article

Language:

English

Published in:

Forensic Science International, 2014, Vol 234, p. 7-12

Keywords:

Journal Article; Adolescent; Adult; Age Determination by Skeleton; Analysis of Variance; Child; Clavicle; Female; Forensic Anthropology; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Observer Variation; Osteogenesis; Prospective Studies; Reproducibility of Results; Young Adult

Main Research Area:

Medical science

Publication Status:

Published

Review type:

Peer Review

Submission year:

2014

Scientific Level:

Scientific

ID:

256275230

Forensic age estimation from the clavicle using 1.0 T MRI—Preliminary results

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