Andreas Olze

Validation of common classification systems for assessing the mineralization of third molars.

One major criterion for dental age estimation is the evaluation of third molar mineralization. There are various methods for evaluating tooth mineralization based on classification by stages. The aim of the present work is to assess the validity of the common classification systems. To this end, we analyzed 420 conventional orthopantomograms of German females aged 12–25 years old. The mineralization status of tooth 38 was determined using the stages defined by Gleiser and Hunt, Demirjian et al., Gustafson and Koch, Harris and Nortje and Kullman et al., respectively. Of the methods tested, the most accurate results were obtained with Demirjian et al.’s classification system, which performed best not only for observer agreement but also for the correlation between estimated and true age. It is argued that this is due to the fact that Demirjian et al.’s classification is based on a sufficient number of stages which are defined independently of speculative estimations of length. This leads to the conclusion that the method devised by Demirjian et al. should be used for evaluating the mineralization of third molars for purposes of forensic age determination.

Comparative study on the chronology of third molar mineralization in a Japanese and a German population

In Germany, a sharp increase in forensic age estimations of living persons has been observed in recent years. German law defines four legally relevant age limits: 14, 16, 18 and 21 years. In these age groups, radiographic assessment of the mineralization status of third molars is of particular importance. So far, the influence of ethnicity on the mineralization rate has been insufficiently analyzed. A total of 3031 orthopantomograms of 1597 Japanese and 1434 Germans aged between 12 and 26 years were examined. The mineralization status of third molars was evaluated on the basis of the classification proposed by Demirjian. For the individual mineralization stages, the study presents the mean values and standard deviations (SD) separately for both populations and sexes. The majority of probands from both the Japanese and the German population achieved the C stage and the late G and H stages of third molar development at similar ages. Significant differences between Japanese and Germans were observed, however, with regard to the D, E and F stages defined by Demirjian. Japanese men and women achieved the D, E and F stages approximately 2-3 years later than German men and women. In addition to forensic age determination in living persons, the presented reference data can also be used for age estimations of unidentified deceased persons and skeletons.

Statistical analysis and verification of forensic age estimation of living persons in the Institute of Legal Medicine of the Berlin University Hospital Charité

In recent years, the increase in international migration movements has led to a greater demand for forensic age estimation of foreigners without valid identification documents in numerous countries. The growing importance of forensic age determination is underlined by a rapid rise in the number of expert reports by the Institute of Legal Medicine of the Berlin University Hospital Charité. A total of 247 expert opinions on estimated age were given between 1992 and 31 December 2000. Subject to formal court ruling, age is estimated based on the physical inspection, in combination with an X-ray of the left hand and the clavicles as well as dental assessment. However, the statistical proof of the range of scatter for the summarized age diagnosis still remains to be clarified in the context of this assessment procedure. The age estimations made by the Institute of Legal Medicine of the Berlin University Hospital Charité were statistically analyzed with respect to the validity of the different methods. For verification of the age diagnoses, the age estimates were compared with the court records and the age determined in the course of legal proceedings. In 45 cases, the age diagnoses could be verified. In all cases where the age could be verified beyond doubt, deviations from the actual age did not exceed +/-12 months. From this, it can be concluded that the combined application of the above-mentioned methods allows forensic age estimations with a sufficiently high degree of reliability.

Der Einfluss der Ethnie auf die bei strafrechtlichen Altersschätzungen untersuchten Merkmale

ZusammenfassungDie Frage nach dem Einfluss der Ethnie auf die bei strafrechtlichen Altersschätzungen bei Lebenden untersuchten Merkmale ist von großer praktischer Bedeutung. Beim Vorliegen gravierender interethnischer Differenzen würde die Anwendung der gebräulichen Referenzstudien auf andere ethnische Gruppen zu Fehlschätzungen führen. Es wurden mehr als 500 Publikationen zu Ossifikation, Dentition und sexueller Reifeentwicklung bei zahlreichen Populationen ausgewertet. Danach ergab sich, dass definierte Entwicklungsstadien von allen ethnischen Hauptgruppen in derselben Reihenfolge durchlaufen werden. Während die Ossifikation und die Weisheitszahnmineralisation in der betreffenden Altersgruppe offenbar nicht relevant von der ethnischen Zugehörigkeit beeinflusst werden, besteht bezüglich einer möglichen vergleichsweisen Akzeleration von Afrikanern bei der Weisheitszahneruption und der sexuellen Reifeentwicklung weiterer Forschungsbedarf.AbstractThe impact of ethnicity on characteristics examined for age estimation of living individuals is of major relevance to implementation of criminal law. In cases of significant interethnic differences, application of common reference studies to other ethnic groups would lead to erroneous and even false estimates. More than 500 publications were evaluated for ossification, dentition and sexual maturation in numerous populations and the results show that there are defined stages of development which occur in the same order in all major ethnic groups. While age-related ossification and mineralisation of third molars were obviously not significantly affected by ethnic origin, further research appears to be required with regard to the relative acceleration of third molar eruption and sexual maturation in Africans.

Forensic Age Estimation of Live Adolescents and Young Adults

As a result of the global increase in migration movements in recent years, there is a growing demand for age estimates of live persons. The persons under examination are mostly foreigners without valid identification documents whose genuine age needs to be clarified for legal purposes. In many countries, the age thresholds relevant for criminal, civil, and asylum proceedings lie between 14 and 22 years of age. In line with recommendations issued by the Study Group on Forensic Age Diagnostics, for determining the age of live subjects a forensic age estimate should combine the results of a physical examination, an X-ray of the hand, and a dental examination which records dentition status and evaluates an orthopantomogram. To assess the age of persons who are assumed to be at least 18 years old, an additional roentgenographic or CT examination of the clavicles is recommended. If there is no legal justification for X-ray examinations, the range of possible methods is limited to a physical and a dental examination. The present paper addresses the influence of ethnicity on the examined developmental systems. In so doing, the authors conclude that forensic age estimates should pay due heed to the proband’s socio-economic status and ethnic origin. The effective doses from X-ray-examinations for forensic age estimations are given. There is no fear that the amount of radiation the examined individuals are exposed to during these X-ray examinations will have a detrimental effect on the persons health. At the end, research desiderata will be mentioned.

Überprüfung der Altersdiagnostik mittels Wurzeldentintransparenzmessung bei unbekannten Toten

ZusammenfassungZur Überprüfung der Altersdiagnostik mit der Wurzeldentintransparenzmessung wurden die mazerierten Ober- und Unterkiefer von 55 zweifelsfrei identifizierten Toten untersucht. In 54 Fällen konnten insgesamt 109 auswertbare Zähne gewonnen werden. Die Messung der Wurzeldentintransparenz erfolgte in Halbmillimeterschritten. Unter Hinzuziehung einschlägiger Referenzstudien wurden die Meswerte in Schätzalter umgesetzt. Richtige Schätzergebnisse konnten in 18 Fällen erzielt werden; 44 Altersschätzungen lagen innerhalb einer Abweichung von 10 Jahren. In 7 Fällen betrug die Abweichung bis zu 15 Jahre, in 2 Fällen bis zu 20 Jahre und in einem Fall 30 Jahre. Es wurde geschlussfolgert, dass mit dem beschriebenen Vorgehen bei geringem Zeit- und Kostenaufwand und bei einfacher Handhabung im mittleren Lebensalter (30–60 Jahre) gute Ergebnisse zu erzielen sind. Zur Vermeidung gravierender Fehlschätzungen in Einzelfällen sollte das Schätzergebnis stets durch eine Beurteilung des gesamten stomatognathen Systems und unter Einbeziehung altersrelevanter Obduktionsbefunde kritisch überprüft werden.AbstractFor the evaluation of age estimation based on root translucency, prepared upper and lower jaws of 55 clearly identified corpses were examined. In 54 cases 109 teeth were suitable for assessment. The root translucency was measured in 0.5 mm steps. In comparison to relevant referent studies, the measured values were transferred to estimated age. Correctly estimated results could be obtained in 18 cases, 44 age estimates showed a deviation of 10 years. In 7 cases, a deviation of up to 15 years was found, in 2 cases of up to 20 years, and in 1 case of up to 30 years. It can be concluded that this fast, efficient and simple procedure leads to valuable results in the middle age range. To avaoid seriously false estimations in individual cases, age diagnosis should always be verified by an evaluation of all dental features and autopsy findings relevant to age.

Radiographic Evaluation of Gustafson's Criteria for the Purpose of Forensic Age Diagnostics

One of the oldest crimes in human civilization is killing of one person by another. With passage of time the manner of homicide is being changing. The present study is carried out from January 2015 to December 2015 at Department of Forensic Medicine, Gulbarga Institute of Medical Sciences (GIMS), Kalaburagi, Karnataka, to know the incidence of homicidal deaths in Kalaburagi. As GIMS is a Government Institution almost all the autopsies of homicidal deaths in Kalaburagi are carried out here. During the present study period we have conducted 659 autopsies out of which 37 were alleged homicidal deaths. It formed 5.61% of all the autopsies performed. Homicidal deaths due to blunt trauma are most common followed by burns and sharp weapon injuries. We also observed that most of the victims belonged to the age group 21 to 40 and males outnumbered the females. There was not a single case of infanticide or homicide by firearm during the study period.