Age estimation by assessing developmental stages of the distal end of radius bone in Thai population

Authors

Phonkit Sinpitaksakul
Sunpatch Benjavongkulchai
Anansit Jinawong
Chawanat Wongpattaraworrakul
Sirapat Pipattanachat
Pisha Pittayapat

Publication Date

2018-01-01

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate developmental stages of the radius bone and compare it with the chronological age of Thai population. Methods: Three hundred hand and wrist radiographs (150 males, 150 females) of subjects (age 7-20 years) were retrospectively collected. The developmental stages of the distal end of the radius bone were modified from Tanner-Whitehouse 3 and categorized into 4 stages: 1) non-capping, 2) capping, 3) partial fusion and 4) complete fusion. Each radiograph was scored by 3 observers. Sixty subjects were re-evaluated for intra- and inter-observer agreement. Statistical analysis was performed. Results: The mean ages of each stage were presented: stage 1, 10.63 ± 1.52 years in males and 9.54 ± 1.08 years in females; stage 2, 13.83 ± 1.15 years in males and 12.06 ± 1.28 years in females; stage 3, 15.39 ± 0.74 years in males and 14.18 ± 1.22 years in females; stage 4, 17.57 ± 1.45 years in males and 17.04 ± 1.56 in females. Statistically significant differences were found between ages of males and females in stage 1, 2 and 3. Distribution of data showed that all subjects with partially fused radius bone were younger than 18. However, subjects presented with completely fused radius bone could be at least 15 years old. Additionally, when the subjectûs known age was 18 years old or older, complete fusion of the radius bone could be observed. Conclusion: Radius bone developmental staging is a potential predictor for age estimation of legal cases in Thai population. Further studies with increased number of subjects will be of benefit.

DOI

10.58837/CHULA.CUDJ.41.1.2

First Page

13

Last Page

22

Recommended Citation

Sinpitaksakul, Phonkit; Benjavongkulchai, Sunpatch; Jinawong, Anansit; Wongpattaraworrakul, Chawanat; Pipattanachat, Sirapat; and Pittayapat, Pisha (2018) "Age estimation by assessing developmental stages of the distal end of radius bone in Thai population," Chulalongkorn University Dental Journal: Vol. 41: Iss. 1, Article 2.
DOI: 10.58837/CHULA.CUDJ.41.1.2
Available at: https://digital.car.chula.ac.th/cudj/vol41/iss1/2