Rechtsmedizin
Volume 25, Issue 1, 2015, Pages 12-20

Magnetic resonance tomography studies on age estimation of unaccompanied minor refugees [Magnetresonanztomographiestudie zur Altersschätzung von unbegleiteten minderjährigen Flüchtlingen] (Article)

Ottow C. , Krämer J.A. , Olze A. , Schmidt S. , Schulz R. , Wittschieber D. , Heindel W. , Pfeiffer H. , Ribbecke S. , Vieth V. , Schmeling A.*
  • a Institut für Klinische Radiologie, Universitätsklinikum Münster, Münster, Germany
  • b Institut für Klinische Radiologie, Universitätsklinikum Münster, Münster, Germany
  • c Institut für Rechtsmedizin, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
  • d Institut für Rechtsmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Münster, Röntgenstr. 23, Münster, 48149, Germany
  • e Institut für Rechtsmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Münster, Röntgenstr. 23, Münster, 48149, Germany
  • f Institut für Rechtsmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Münster, Röntgenstr. 23, Münster, 48149, Germany
  • g Institut für Klinische Radiologie, Universitätsklinikum Münster, Münster, Germany
  • h Institut für Rechtsmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Münster, Röntgenstr. 23, Münster, 48149, Germany
  • i Statistik-Service S2, Berlin, Germany
  • j Institut für Klinische Radiologie, Universitätsklinikum Münster, Münster, Germany
  • k Institut für Rechtsmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Münster, Röntgenstr. 23, Münster, 48149, Germany

Abstract

Background: In order to improve the conclusiveness of age estimations without legitimization of X-ray examinations in living adolescents and young adults, over the course of recent years imaging methods free from the use of X-rays have moved to the centre of attention in the field of forensic age diagnostics. Aim: The aim of the study was the development and validation of a legally acceptable, reliable and practical procedure for age estimation of potentially minor refugees using magnetic resonance tomography investigations. Material and methods: Within the framework of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study concerning age estimation in unaccompanied minors a total of 700 participants in the age group of 12–24 years are to be examined prospectively. The ossification stages of clavicle, radius, femur and tibia as well as the mineralization stages of the third molars will be recorded by the use of a 3 T MRI scanner. Results: So far, the examination of 568 participants has shown that the ossification stages and mineralization stages are very well represented by means of MRI. The low dropout rate of less than 1 % proves the high acceptance of the MRI examinations. Conclusion: The selected MRI sequences are suitable for a differentiation of ossification and mineralization stages. Correct handling of the instrumentation and observation of the contraindications, the general quality assurance parameters and safety instructions of the manufacturer prevent any health risks for the persons investigated. © 2014, Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.

Author Keywords

Clavicle Femur Radius Third molar Tibia

Index Keywords

prospective study Clavicle refugee tibia radius ossification femur magnetic resonance tomography molar tooth bone mineralization human Adolescent nuclear magnetic resonance imaging age determination Article minor (person) major clinical study adult computer assisted tomography nuclear magnetic resonance scanner Child
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84945749153&doi=10.1007%2fs00194-014-0991-0&partnerID=40&md5=fa2ec6f57b4265372c042d12401ef419
DOI: 10.1007/s00194-014-0991-0
ISSN: 09379819
Cited by: 15
Original Language: German