Correlation between Skeletal Age and Dental Age in Living Individuals

The age determination of living individuals of unknown chronological age, has assumed a very strong role in juvenile crimes in India. Many cases are being referred by courts for age determination of such ‘juveniles in conflict with law’, in which the most important cut off age is 18 years. Age estimation of unknown chronological age is a big challenge for law enforcement agents which have become more important due to ever increasing incidences of heinous crimes committed by juveniles. We present a review of correlation of skeletal age measured by X-rays of various joints and dental age measured by OPG (Orthopantograms) of a population of 150 cases of age estimation cases sent to our hospital by various courts of law at Delhi, capital city of India. The result was subjected to statistical analysis by using Pairwise Pearson's correlation (0.885) which suggests highly significant correlation. The result shows statistically highly significant correlation between the said parameters.