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Scanning Skeletal Remains for Bone Mineral Density in Forensic Contexts
Published on: January 29, 2018
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Alternative methods for skeletal maturity estimation with the EOS scanner-Experience from 934 patients.
Ádám Tibor Schlégl1, Ian O'Sullivan1, Péter Varga1,2
1Department of Orthopaedics, University of Pécs, Medical School, Pécs, Hungary.
Plos One
|May 6, 2022
Summary
Standard hand-wrist bone age assessments are difficult with EOS images. Alternative methods like hip, cervical, and calcaneus evaluations show promise for retrospective bone age assessment without extra imaging.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Orthopedics
- Pediatric Imaging
Background:
- Traditional hand-wrist bone age assessment is incompatible with standard EOS 2D/3D imaging.
- Modifications for bone age assessment can compromise spinal position in EOS scans.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and evaluate alternative bone age assessment methods.
- To determine feasibility for retrospective application using existing EOS images without additional imaging.
Main Methods:
- A literature review identified nine potential bone age assessment methods.
- A pilot study assessed thirteen individuals, followed by retrospective evaluation of 934 EOS scans (ages 4-24).
- Assessment difficulty, time, and reliability were recorded.
Main Results:
- Five methods showed promise: Risser 'plus' (89.5% success), cervical (79.0%), Oxford hip (78.6%), calcaneus (70.8%), and knee (68.2%).
- Calcaneus and cervical methods were fastest; Oxford hip was slowest.
- Challenges included image coverage (cervical, calcaneus), patient positioning, and resolution limitations.
Conclusions:
- Hip, iliac crest, and cervical regions are assessable on most EOS scans for retrospective bone age evaluation.
- Calcaneus assessment is rapid and simple, suitable if full foot imaging is included.
