Accuracy and Reliability of Age Estimation by Cameriere’s Open Apex Method in the Population of Maharashtra: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Context: Age estimation is an integral part of investigations in legal and humanitarian scenarios, particularly when the relevant proof documents are unavailable or suspicious of being fraudulent. A radiological method for age estimation using open apices of teeth was suggested by Cameriere et al. in 2006. The present study aims to test the accuracy and reliability of Cameriere’s method in the population of Maharashtra. Materials and Methods: Orthopantomograms of 108 patients of age ranging from 6 to 15 years were analyzed using Image J software. Estimation of age was done by Cameriere’s open apex method using the original European linear regression formula. Results: There was an overall overestimation of age by a mean of 0.77 years. The mean overestimation in age for males was 0.88 years, and for females was 0.64 years. The two-tailed P value was found to be 0.2958, which indicated that there was no statistically significant difference between the discrepancies noted, respectively, in both the genders. Conclusion: Cameriere's open apex method can be utilized to efficiently and accurately estimate age in a non-invasive manner. The slight discrepancies amongst various populations can be resolved by extensive studies using the method in these regions, compiling the data, and developing region-specific variables in the existing formula.