In the forensic context of age estimation in a living adolescent asylum seeker, the Greulich and Pyle (G&P) atlas is used. A key limitation of this method in the Indian forensic context is:

• A The G&P atlas cannot be applied to individuals under 16 years of age
• B The G&P atlas assesses dental maturation exclusively and is not applicable to skeletal radiographs
• C The G&P method requires MRI rather than X-ray and is therefore rarely available
• D The G&P atlas was based on affluent American white children, so skeletal maturation norms may not apply uniformly to Indian children, particularly those with nutritional deficiencies ✓

Explanation

The Greulich and Pyle atlas was developed in the 1950s from serial radiographs of predominantly well-nourished American white children in Ohio. Secular trends in skeletal maturation, population differences, and nutritional status mean that Indian children, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, may show delayed skeletal maturation compared to the atlas norms. This can lead to age underestimation. Indian-specific reference standards (e.g., Hoerr et al. modifications, Tanner-Whitehouse for South Asian populations) are preferred. The atlas uses hand-wrist X-rays and covers ages 1–18 years.

Reference: The Essentials of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology (Narayan Reddy), 34th ed.

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.