Age estimation of Hispanic children using the London Atlas

To test the accuracy of the London Atlas for age estimation of Hispanic children and to determine if there is any difference in age accuracy between Hispanic males and females.

The London Atlas was used to estimate age from panoramic radiographs of 17 males and 17 females for each year of age from six to 15.99 years, using the electronic patient database of a dental school. Exclusion criteria included gross pathology, hypodontia, hyperdontia, and previous orthodontic treatment.

There were 332 panoramic radiographs evaluated. In all age groups, 34 radiographs (from 17 males and 17 females) were reviewed, except for the age bracket 6-6.99 years, for which only 26 radiographs were available. The mean age estimated of the entire sample by the London Atlas (11.44 years) was greater than the mean chronological age (11.09 years), which was statistically significant (P<.001). The mean difference between chronological and estimated ages for males was .30 years and for females was .40 years, but the difference between sexes was not significant (P=.324). One hundred sixty-two radiographs (49%) were estimated to the exact age interval while 45 (14%) were under-estimated and 125 (38%) were over-estimated. Two hundred and forty radiographs (72%) were estimated to a value within one year of the actual age.

There was no difference in age estimation prediction accuracy between Hispanic males and females but an age overestimation of three percent in the cohort was seen. The London Atlas accuracy is suitable for use in forensic investigation.