Forensic age estimation of the knee by post-mortem DR, CT, and MR imaging: a comparative study

Area of Science:

• Forensic Anthropology
• Radiology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Age estimation is crucial in forensic science.
• Previous studies suggest imaging-modality-specific reference data may not be necessary for age estimation.
• Investigating agreement between modalities is needed to confirm or refute this.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the agreement between computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and digital radiography (DR) in evaluating knee epiphysis ossification for age estimation.
• To determine if reference data can be used interchangeably across these radiological modalities.

Main Methods:

• 34 deceased individuals aged 10-25 years underwent CT, MRI, and DR scans of the knee.
• Ossification stages of distal femoral, proximal tibial, and proximal fibular epiphyses were assessed.
• Cohen's weighted kappa was used to analyze agreement between modalities using established staging methods.

Main Results:

• Good agreement was found between CT and DR (K = 0.61-0.70) and MRI and DR (K = 0.68-0.79).
• Moderate agreement was observed between CT and MRI (K = 0.55-0.57).
• These findings indicate significant variability in agreement levels.

Conclusions:

• Radiological images from different modalities cannot be used interchangeably for age estimation.
• Reference data for age estimation must be imaging-modality specific.
• Further research with larger populations is recommended for broader conclusions.