Figure 1.

X-ray findings in a possible minor (age <18.0 years) with a disputed age, and age assessment parameters. The male person examined was from Somalia and claimed to be 17.5 years old. Medical history and physical examination showed no evidence of developmental disorders.

a) The ossification (Oss.) of the hand skeleton (HS) was complete.

b) The mineralization (Miner.) of the third molars (M3) was complete.

c) The ossification (Oss.) of the medial clavicular epiphyses (MCE) was not complete. Both sides were classified as ossification stage 3a, according to Kellinghaus et al. (22).

d) The minimum ages corresponding to the determined developmental stages were 16.1 years old, 17.3 years old, and 16.4 years old (20, 23, 24). The highest minimum age (17.3 years) determines the minimum age of the person examined. The most likely age of the person being examined, according to the relevant median age of stage 3a ossification of the medial clavicles, is 19.5 years old, and the maximum age is 22.3 years (24). Since the minimum age of the examined person is below 18.0 years, a minority status seems possible. Finally, as the minimum age diagnosed falls below the age specified by the person being examined, the assessment evidence is compatible with the age indicated by the person examined