Skeletal Maturation Using Cervical Vertebrae Versus Dental Age For Age Estimation

Abstract

KEYWORDS Mental index, Willem's method, CVM staging, dental age, Egyptian children. In forensic science, few data exist regarding cervical vertebrae stages for age estimation, meanwhile, teeth are frequently used to estimate age. The present study tested the cervical vertebrae skeletal maturation as an indicator for chronological age. A total of 149 radiographs (68 boys and 81 girls) were analyzed. Their ages ranged from 5.94-18.00 years. Cervical vertebral skeletal maturation (CVM) staging and dental age estimation by Willem's method were estimated. Results show that there is significant correlation between dental age, CVM and chronological age. However, CVM staging is not accurate to depend on solely for age estimation especially in forensic investigations. Willem's method underestimated age by 0.01 years in girls and 0.16 years in boys. It can be concluded that CVM can give rough idea about age and accuracy will be enhanced if combined with dental age estimation.