RADIOGRAPHIC IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN REMAINS THROUGH DEFORMITIES AND ANOMALIES OF POST-CRANIAL BONES: A REPORT OF TWO CASES

• NCJ Number: 145768
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 38 Issue: 4 Dated: (July 1993) Pages: 997-1007
• Author(s): D Rouge; N Telmon; P Arrue; G Larrouy; L Arbus
• Date Published: 1993
• Length: 11 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Technical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Human remains can be identified radiographically by anomalies and deformities of the postcranial bones when there are no old fractures and the cranium and extremities are not available.

Abstract

Anomalies and deformities of the sternum, vertebrae, sacrum, and innominate bone are often protected from damage by scavengers. Nonetheless, two case reports document the presence of these anomalities and deformities and their usefulness in identifying human remains. Bone remains in the first case were discovered on a beach, while bone remains in the second case were encountered in a deep ravine. Findings revealed that analyzing postcranial bones for anomalies and deformities according to established criteria can be highly discriminatory in radiographic identification. The value and number of these criteria and their pathogenesis are discussed. 54 references and 6 figures