A probability model for estimating age in young individuals relative to key legal thresholds: 15, 18 or 21-year.

ABSTRACT: Age estimations are relevant for pre-trial detention, sentencing in criminal cases and as part of the evaluation in asylum processes to protect the rights and privileges of minors. No current method can determine an exact chronological age due to individual variations in biological development. This study seeks to develop a validated statistical model for estimating an age relative to key legal thresholds (15, 18, and 21 years) based on a skeletal (CT-clavicle, radiography-hand/wrist or MR-knee) and tooth (radiography-third molar) developmental stages. The whole model is based on 34 scientific studies, divided into examinations of the hand/wrist (15 studies), clavicle (5 studies), distal femur (4 studies), and third molars (10 studies). In total, data from approximately 27,000 individuals

SUBMITTER: Heldring N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11732925 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature