Wernsing Maximilian Frederic, Malokaj Valesa, Kunz Sebastian Nico, Beer Meinrad, Vogele Daniel
Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Ulm University Hospital, Ulm, Germany.
Institute of Forensic Medicine, Ulm University Medical Faculty, Ulm, Germany.
Rofo. 2025 Jul;197(7):791-804. doi: 10.1055/a-2379-8785. Epub 2024 Sep 5.
In forensic age determination, e.g. for legal proceedings, exceeded age limits may be relevant. To investigate age-related differences in skeletal development, the recommendations of the Study Group on Forensic Age Diagnostics (AGFAD) rely on imaging techniques using ionizing radiation (including orthopantomograms and radiographs of the hand). Vieth et al. and Ottow et al. have proposed MRI classifications for epi-/diaphyseal fusion of the knee joint to determine different age limits. The aim of the present study was to verify whether these two classifications could also be applied to MRI of the ankle.MRI images of the ankle from 333 patients (160 female, 173 male) ranging in age from 10 to 28 years were retrospectively analyzed. T1-weighted turbo spin-echo (TSE) sequences and T2-weighted fat-suppressed sequences were analyzed for the two classifications. The different ossification stages of the two classifications were determined and the corresponding chronological ages were assigned. In addition, gender-specific differences were analyzed. Intra- and inter-observer variability was determined using Cohen's kappa.With the classification of Ottow et al., the completion of the 14 year of life could be determined in both sexes. With the classification of Vieth et al, the completion of the 14 year of life could be determined in both sexes and the 18 year of life in male patients. Intra-observer and inter-observer variability was very good and good, respectively (κ > 0.87 and κ > 0.72).In the present study, it was also possible to use both classifications for MRI of the ankle joint. The method offers the potential of an alternative or at least supplementary radiation-free assessment criterion in forensic age estimation. · MRI scans of the ankle can be used for forensic age determination.. · Classifications developed for the knee joint can also be used on the ankle.. · The applied classifications based on Vieth et al. and Ottow et al. can be used as an alternative or, at the least, an additional method when determining legally relevant age limits.. · Wernsing MF, Malokaj V, Kunz SN et al. Forensic Age Determination Using MRI Scans of the Ankle: Applying Two Classifications to Assess Ossification. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2024; DOI 10.1055/a-2379-8785.
在法医年龄判定中，例如用于法律程序时，超出年龄限制可能具有相关性。为了研究骨骼发育中与年龄相关的差异，法医年龄诊断研究小组（AGFAD）的建议依赖于使用电离辐射的成像技术（包括全景曲面断层片和手部X线片）。Vieth等人以及Ottow等人提出了膝关节骨骺/骨干融合的MRI分类方法，以确定不同的年龄限制。本研究的目的是验证这两种分类方法是否也适用于踝关节的MRI检查。对333例年龄在10至28岁之间的患者（160例女性，173例男性）的踝关节MRI图像进行了回顾性分析。针对这两种分类方法，分析了T1加权快速自旋回波（TSE）序列和T2加权脂肪抑制序列。确定了两种分类方法的不同骨化阶段，并指定了相应的实际年龄。此外，还分析了性别差异。使用Cohen's kappa系数确定观察者内和观察者间的变异性。采用Ottow等人的分类方法，可以确定两性14岁时的发育完成情况。采用Vieth等人的分类方法，可以确定两性14岁时的发育完成情况以及男性患者18岁时的发育完成情况。观察者内和观察者间的变异性分别非常好和良好（κ>0.87和κ>0.72）。在本研究中，这两种分类方法也可用于踝关节的MRI检查。该方法为法医年龄估计提供了一种替代的、或至少是补充的无辐射评估标准。·踝关节的MRI扫描可用于法医年龄判定。·为膝关节开发的分类方法也可用于踝关节。·基于Vieth等人和Ottow等人的应用分类方法可作为确定法律相关年龄限制时的一种替代方法，或者至少是一种补充方法。·Wernsing MF、Malokaj V、Kunz SN等人。使用踝关节MRI扫描进行法医年龄判定：应用两种分类方法评估骨化情况。Fortschr Röntgenstr 2024；DOI 10.1055/a - 2379 - 8785。
