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Age estimation based on magnetic resonance imaging of the ankle joint in a modern Chinese Han population

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Abstract

Objectives

To expand the database on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) analysis of distal tibial and calcaneal epiphyses as proposed by Saint-Martin et al. and investigate a more elaborate staging technique to establish regression models for age estimation in a modern Chinese Han population.

Materials and methods

T1-weighted ankle MRIs were retrospectively collected from April 2008 to July 2019, and data from 590 individuals (372 males and 218 females; aged from 8 to 25 years old) were obtained. One-sided sagittal images were assessed because data from both sides were considered coincidental, as no significant differences were found (P > 0.05). Three-stage and six-stage staging techniques were applied separately and subsequently compared. A subset was re-assessed a second time and by a different observer. Regression models were established accordingly.

Results

Our results showed very good repeatability and consistency of two staging techniques (all Cohen’s kappa values were more than 0.8). By comparison, the values of the coefficient of determination (R2) of the six-stage technique were generally higher than those of the three-stage technique. Compared with the distal tibia and two ankle bones combined, the calcaneus decreased the mean absolute deviation (MAD) with the six-stage technique. In males, incorporating only the calcaneus resulted in a MAD of 2.15 years, with correct classification rates of 87.5% adults and 50.0% among minors. In females, the corresponding results were 1.67 years, 100.0%, and 44.4%, respectively.

Conclusions

The six-stage technique may outperform the three-stage technique in MRI analysis of ankle bones for age estimation, while age estimation based on the calcaneus may perform better than that based on the distal tibia or both ankle bones in a modern Chinese Han population.

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Acknowledgments

Thanks for the greatest help in data collection and imaging analysis from the teachers of Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University. In addition, we are thankful to our colleagues from Department of Forensic Pathology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University for their valuable insights and expertise that contributed to our research and professional assistance in the writing of the manuscript.

Funding

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 81971801 and No. 81373252).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Forensic Pathology, West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People’s Republic of China

    Ting Lu, Lei Shi, Meng-jun Zhan, Fei Fan, Kui Zhang & Zhen-hua Deng

  2. Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, People’s Republic of China

    Zhao Peng

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  1. Ting Lu
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Correspondence to Kui Zhang or Zhen-hua Deng.

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Lu, T., Shi, L., Zhan, Mj. et al. Age estimation based on magnetic resonance imaging of the ankle joint in a modern Chinese Han population. Int J Legal Med 134, 1843–1852 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00414-020-02364-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00414-020-02364-3

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