Multiple Regression Modeling for Age Estimation by Assessment and Comparison of Spheno-Occipital Synchondrosis Fusion and Cervical Vertebral Maturation Stages

Abstract

Objectives The aim of this study was (1) to evaluate the relationship between spheno-occipital synchondrosis (SOS) fusion stages, cervical vertebral maturation (CVM) stages, and clivus sizes with chronological age on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images, and (2) to compare these methods for accurate age estimation using regression analysis. Materials and Methods The CBCT images of 200 individuals (102 females and 98 males) were included in the study. The SOS fusion stages and CVM stages were evaluated. The width and length of the clivus were measured. The effects of SOS fusion stages, CVM stages, clivus width, and clivus length on age estimation were evaluated by univariate tests and the effects of coexistence with ANCOVA and regression model. Spearman rank correlation analysis was also used to investigate the relationship between the SOS fusion stage, CVM stage, clivus width, and clivus length. Results The SOS stages, CVM stages, and clivus width were not shown statistically significant differences between the sexes (p-values=0.205, 0.162, and 0.277, respectively), whereas clivus length was significantly longer in males (42.94.26mm) than in females (41.04 +/- 3.74mm). Multiple regression analysis showed 80% success when all parameters (SOS fusion stages, CVM stages, clivus width, and clivus length) were taken into consideration. Conclusion In conclusion, with the use of CVM stages and SOS fusion stages together, an accurate and reliable age estimation can be obtained in forensic medicine.