Determining the Chronological Age of Children Living in the Mediterranean Region Using Different Radiological Methods and Age Estimation Methods

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the suitability of three age estimation methods, using different radiological techniques, for estimating the chronological age (CA) of children living in the Mediterranean region, and whether these methods can be used in forensic procedures. Method: A total of 1296 digital orthopantomographic and hand-wrist radiographs of 648 children aged between 7 and 16 years were evaluated. Fishman, Willems and Nolla age estimation methods were used to estimate CA. Results: Chronological and dental age correlated with the Nolla and Willems methods (NM and WM) in both boys and girls. There was no statistically significant difference between upper canine age estimation and CA using the NM in children aged 7-11 years in boys and in girls. There was no statistically significant difference between the NM upper canine age estimation and CA in children aged 12-14 years in boys. Conclusion: The WM may be suitable for estimating CA in boys and girls aged 7 and 14 years. The Fishman method may be suitable for estimating CA in girls aged 12-14 years. The NM of upper canine age estimation can also be used to estimate CA.