Forensic Diagnostics of the Skeletal Age in the Living – Backgrounds and Methodology

Abstract

Background The expert opinions on forensic age diagnostics requested by state institutions are used to show the exceeding of legally relevant age thresholds, especially the completed 18^th year of life. According to the recommendations of the Study Group on Forensic Age Diagnostics (AGFAD), this requires – among other things – a determination of skeletal age.

Method Considering recent scientific knowledge, the current conditions and established skeletal age diagnostics methods are presented. Additionally, this review article sheds light on the influence of ethnicity and socioeconomic status, questions regarding indication, as well as alternative and future developments.

Results and Conclusion In forensic age diagnostics, particularly hand radiography and thin-slice CT of the medial clavicular epiphysis are relevant for determining skeletal age. The Atlas method of Greulich and Pyle (1959) and the clavicular stages by Schmeling et al. (2004) and Kellinghaus et al. (2010) are primarily used for this. This spectrum of methods, which is based on a very solid database, might be supplemented by MRI studies of the knee joint in the near future.

Key Points: 

• Determining skeletal age is an essential part of forensic age diagnostics commissioned by state authorities and courts.

• Hand radiography and CT of the medial clavicular epiphysis form the core of the spectrum of methods recommended by the Study Group of Forensic Age Diagnostics (AGFAD).

• Since the radiological studies required for forensic age diagnostics are not medically indicated, it must be ensured that the legal basis is specifically named in each case when commissioning expert opinions.

• MRI studies of the knee joint might increase the spectrum of methods in the near future.

Citation Format

• Wittschieber D, Hahnemann ML, Mentzel H. Forensic Diagnostics of the Skeletal Age in the Living – Backgrounds and Methodology. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2024; 196: 254 – 261

Key words

forensic age diagnostics - skeletal age - ossification stages - forensics

Publication History

Received: 04 January 2023

Accepted: 04 July 2023

Article published online:
12 September 2023

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