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

• Published in: Forensic science international Vol. 234; no. C; pp. 7 - 12
• Main Authors: Tangmose, Sara, Jensen, Karl Erik, Villa, Chiara, Lynnerup, Niels
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Ireland Elsevier Ireland Ltd 01.01.2014; Elsevier Limited
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; adults; Age; Age Determination by Skeleton - methods; Age estimation; Analysis of Variance; bone formation; bones; Child; Clavicle - anatomy & histology; Clavicle - physiology; Clavicle ossification; digital images; Female; Forensic Anthropology; Forensic pathology; Forensic radiology; Forensic sciences; Humans; Magnetic resonance imaging; Magnetic Resonance Imaging - methods; Male; Medical imaging; Methods; necropsy; Noise; Observer Variation; Osteogenesis - physiology; Prospective Studies; Reproducibility of Results; shoulders; Standard deviation; Young Adult; Forensic radiology; Age estimation; Magnetic resonance imaging; Clavicle ossification
• ISSN: 0379-0738; 1872-6283; 1872-6283
• DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2013.10.027

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. 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. 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. 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.