Forensic age estimation in the geriatric population

Abstract

In the geriatric population, forensic age estimation could be essential for insurance-related issues, retirement processes, and work permits. Although cases of forensic age estimation are dominant in adolescents and early adults, nowadays the practice of forensic age determination is increasing in the geriatric population as well. Forensic age estimation, in living and deceased individuals, is among the most commonly studied topics in clinical forensic medicine. However, only few studies have been performed for age estimation in the geriatric population. Based on skeletal bone morphology, skeletal bone radiological traits, chronological dental changes, facial traits, degenerative processes, and automated systems, there are several methods for forensic age estimation in adults and partly in the geriatric population. This paper aims to the draw attention of health-care professionals by discussing methods used for forensic age estimation in the geriatric population.

Evaluation of manubriosternal joint fusion and second costal cartilage calcification: Are they useful for estimating advanced age groups?

“…Age-estimation studies are frequently applied for various reasons in forensic medicine, such as for illegal immigration, in cases of doubtful or unavailable birth certificates, estimating the age in criminal liability, and assessment of unidentified decedents and human remains for forensic investigations [24]. Estimating age in the living is also important because, in several countries, some special opportunities and privileges are provided to facilitate the lives of elderly people, including pensions, free health care, financial support, concessions in many places from public transportation to hospitals, and privileges in criminal law practices [4]. Therefore, the reliability of the methods used for estimating age is of great importance.…”

“…The methods used for age estimation can be divided into three groups: radiological, morphological, and histological methods. Various studies have been conducted on age estimation from various parts of the body to make the most reliable estimate, such as pubic symphysis, auricular surface, and apophysis of the ilium, clavicle, sternum, and sternal end of the ribs and vertebrae [1,4–8].…”

“…Various studies have been conducted on age estimation from various parts of the body to make the most reliable estimate, such as pubic symphysis, auricular surface, and apophysis of the ilium, clavicle, sternum, and sternal end of the ribs and vertebrae [1,[4][5][6][7][8].…”