- Authors:
-
- Larsen, Sara Tangmose ;
- Jensen, Karl Erik ;
-
Villa, Chiara
;
Close
0000-0002-9967-8131
Unit of Forensic Anthropology, Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Københavns Universitet - Lynnerup, Niels
- 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:
- 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; Journal Article
- Main Research Area:
- Medical science
- Publication Status:
- Published
- Review type:
- Peer Review
- Submission year:
- 2014
- Scientific Level:
- Scientific
- ID:
- 256275230
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