Estimation of Age and Sex using Chest Radiograph-An Useful Tool in Identification

Abstract

Background: - Age estimation among the living subjects is an important parameter in past, present and future Due to more and more immigrants’ entering the borders illegally these have become even more important and necessity to avoid any legal problems. The existing laws as per IPC [Indian Penal code], prevent employment of children below 14yrs in any type of work and is considered as an offence as per Factories Act, 1948. If there is a wrongful assessment of age estimation of an individual it creates a confusion in the justice system and also adds to the burden on the resources. The legal authorities often find themselves in a dilemma when an estimation of age is done and hence a thorough knowledge of this among the experts will definitely help the existing legal system in a long way. Method:- A prospective study involving 160 radiographs including both male and female of varied age group were taken and evaluated for several parameters statistically. Results:- Regression analysis showed 80% correlation between the predicted age and actual age. First cartilage ossification (FCO), Cartilage mineralization and bone demineralization were the strongest factors. Gender prediction was better for males compared to females in the study population. Conclusions:- An accessible, time saving and cost effective method has been tried in the present study. Though there are some limitations, the study reveals that data obtained from radiograph is useful as an indicator for estimation of age of a person.