Estimating forensic age via magnetic resonance imaging of the distal radial epiphysis

Magnetic resonance imaging is currently being studied extensively, but it is still far from being the frequently recommended radiological method for age estimation. In this study, we used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of distal radius ossification to obtain data for age estimation. Wrist MRI scans from 338 individuals, aged 10–29 years, were examined retrospectively using the staging system of Schmidt et al. and the extension of the stages as described by Timme et al. The results revealed that the minimum ages for stage 4a ossification were 16.0 years in women and 17.7 years in men, whereas those for stage 4b ossification were 16.6 and 18.2 years in women and men, respectively. Stage 5 was not detected in any patient. These results were comparable with those of a previous study using the same methodology with distal radial epiphysis ossification. Our finding regarding stage 4b ossification may provide valuable information on legally important age thresholds relevant to the use of MRI in evaluating the distal radial epiphysis in males. Further research needs to be conducted with large series in different populations to evaluate the triple banding at the distal radial epiphysis.