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Age estimation using London Atlas methodology: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Victor Jacometti1, Cindy Maki Sato1, Daniely Amorim Meireles2
1Department of Pathology and Legal Medicine, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto. Avenida Bandeirantes, 3900, Vila Virginia, Ribeirão Preto, SP 14015-130, Brazil.
Forensic Science International
|December 3, 2022
Summary
The London Atlas dental chart offers accurate age estimation for sub-adults in forensic science. This systematic review found minimal deviation between real and estimated ages, with slight overestimation overall.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Anthropology and Odontology
- Bioarchaeology
- Human Identification
Background:
- Age estimation is crucial in forensic science.
- The London Atlas (AlQahtani et al., 2010) is a widely used dental development chart for age assessment.
- This study systematically reviews the accuracy of the London Atlas method in sub-adults.
Approach:
- Systematic literature review and meta-analysis following PRISMA guidelines.
- Screened five electronic databases (PubMed, SciELO, Scopus, Web of Science, LILACS) and conducted active searches.
- Assessed study quality using Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tools.
Key Points:
- Included 24 studies meeting inclusion criteria; 17 provided data for meta-analysis.
- Standardized mean differences were 0.02 years for Mean Difference (MD) and 0.78 for Mean Absolute Difference (MAD).
- Analysis revealed acceptable error and bias values globally, with a slight, non-significant tendency to overestimate age.
Conclusions:
- The London Atlas is an accurate method for age estimation in sub-adults.
- The method demonstrates acceptable global accuracy despite study heterogeneity.
- Subgroup analysis indicated slightly better performance in males compared to females.
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