Age estimation based on pelvic ossification using regression models from conventional radiography.

Area of Science:

• Forensic Anthropology
• Radiology
• Human Osteology

Background:

• Accurate age estimation is crucial in forensic and clinical contexts.
• Traditional methods for age assessment have limitations, especially in late adolescence and early adulthood.
• Pelvic ossification centers, specifically the iliac crest and ischial tuberosity, offer potential for age estimation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish reliable regression models for chronological age estimation.
• To evaluate the efficacy of combining iliac crest and ischial tuberosity ossification data.
• To develop formulas for calculating age based on combined developmental status.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 1379 pelvic radiographs.
• Utilized receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis to assess age estimation accuracy at 18 years.
• Performed cubic regression analysis to develop age estimation formulas.

Main Results:

• ROC analysis demonstrated good predictive value for the grading systems (Area under ROC curve > 0.9).
• Cubic regression models achieved high R-squared values (0.744 for females, 0.753 for males).
• Formulas integrating iliac crest and ischial tuberosity ossification were successfully developed.

Conclusions:

• The classification scheme for iliac crest and ischial tuberosity ossification is effective for age estimation.
• The established cubic regression model provides a viable method for chronological age determination.
• This combined ossification approach offers improved accuracy in age estimation.