Sonographic examination on the time frame of ossification of the distal fibula epiphysis]

In order to increase the reliability of forensic age estimations in living adolescents and young adults without justification for X-ray examinations, the establishment of radiation-free imaging procedures is desirable. In this study, the ossification stage of the right-hand distal fibula epiphysis was sonographically determined prospectively in 309 male and 307 female healthy volunteers. For this purpose a four-stage classification system was used. A sonographically determined ossification stage 3 permits the proof of completion of age 13 in boys and the proof of completion of age 12 in girls. In case of an ossification stage 4 the completion of age 14 in boys and the completion of age 13 in girls can be certified. In order to increase the level of reliability of age estimates, findings should be collected by at least two independent examiners who are experienced in the sonography of skeletons, followed by consensus-building.