Human dentition is unique to individuals and helps in identification of individuals in forensic odontology. This study proposes to study the manually ground sections of single rooted teeth using digital methods for dental age estimation.To assess the dentinal translucency from the scanned digital images of manually ground section of teeth using commercially available image edition software. Corroborating the root dentinal translucency length and region of interest (ROI) of translucency zone in pixels (as a marker of dental age) with the chronological age of the subject, as stratified by different age groups. Twenty single-rooted extracted teeth from 20 patients each from 6 groups divided as per age. Manual sectioning of the teeth followed by scanning the sections was done. Root area in pixels and ROI of translucency zone were measured.From the observed values, translucency length percentage (TLP) and percentage of ROI in pixels (TPP) was calculated and tabulated. Pearson’s correlation coefficients were obtained for age with TLP and TPP. Positive correlation existed between age and TLP and also between age and TPP. With the obtained data, multilinear regression equations for specific age groups based on 10-year intervals were derived. By a step-down analysis method, age was estimated with an average error of around ±7.9 years. This study gives a novel method for age-estimation that can be applied in real-time forensic sciences.

Introduction: Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) is a relatively recent method that has been shown to help reduce muscular tension, increase flexibility and prevent tissue adhesion. Nevertheless, there is a paucity of awareness and knowledge about the benefits of IASTM, especially following injury rehabilitation, despite its many advantages. The study aimed to investigate the awareness, practice and perception of instrument- assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) among Malaysian physiotherapists (PTs). Methods: The cross-sectional study included 133 PTs who answered an online questionnaire via a google link on their awareness and perception of IASTM in their practice. The Google link was given to the participants through email and the official Malaysian Physiotherapy (MPA) social media group. Results: Majority of the respondents (73.7%) are aware of IASTM technique. Despite being aware on IASTM, 74.4% of respondents reported not practicing the technique. Furthermore, 73.7% of respondents stated that the main reason they don’t practice is because fingers have better force adjustment than IASTM. Over 80% of respondents revealed that practicing IASTM can save energy and convenient during myofascial release. Moreover, 82.7 % of respondents stated that one of the benefits of IASTM for PTs is that it helps alleviate stress on fingers and wrists during soft tissue mobilization. Beyond 55% of respondents stated that they will incorporate IASTM in practice in near future. Conclusion: According to the findings, the majority of Malaysian physiotherapists are aware of the IASTM. However, fewer than half of respondents declined to incorporate it into their future practice due to the PTs preference for feeling the patient’s muscle texture. More emphasis can be given to the IASTM techniques among the PTs as the participants have mentioned that IASTM has better force exertion and saves energy when applying soft tissue massage.