Forensic age estimation at the 15- and 18-year thresholds using MRI of the wrist: application of the Vieth staging method

The objective of this study was to assess distal radial epiphyseal fusion on MRI based on the Vieth staging method and to evaluate the relevance of the obtained findings for determining legal majority in forensic age estimation. Wrist images obtained via a 1.5 T MRI scanner were retrospctively evaluated by two independent observers in a study population of 516 cases (252 females, 264 males) aged 10–28 years, following the application of exclusion criteria. MR images were independently evaluated by two experienced radiologists, with intraobserver agreement assessed through repeat evaluation after one month and consensus assessment performed jointly by both observers. Intra- and interobserver agreement rates were evaluated using Cohen’s kappa and linear weighted kappa statistics. Descriptive statistics, including minimum, maximum, mean ± standard deviation, 95% confidence interval, and median, were defined for age distribution. Sex-specific age differences within each stage were analyzed using either the Student’s t-test or the Mann–Whitney U test. Descriptive age statistics were evaluated separately for females and males. No significant sex-related age difference was observed at stage 2, whereas males were significantly older than females at all subsequent stages. Inter- and intraobserver agreement assessment was very good, with high agreement levels observed for both analyses. The findings indicate that the Vieth staging method applied to wrist MRI may be applicable for forensic age estimation at the 15- and 18-year legal thresholds in both sexes. However, further validation in diverse populations using balanced age groups and experienced observers is required.