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Human identification from the ankle with pre- and postsurgical radiographs
Dorothy E Dean1, Nancy E Tatarek, Jeremy Rich
1Office of the Medical Examiner, County of Summit, 85 North Summit Street, Akron, OH, USA.
Journal of Clinical Forensic Medicine
|March 15, 2005
Summary
Postmortem identification using ankle radiographs is possible even after surgery. However, the ankle has fewer unique features than the entire foot for accurate identification.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Radiology
- Radiographic Identification
- Skeletal Analysis
Background:
- Postmortem identification is crucial in forensic investigations.
- Previous studies have shown the utility of foot and ankle radiographs for identification.
- The impact of surgical intervention on radiographic identification requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of ankle radiographs for postmortem identification.
- To determine if surgical changes in the ankle preclude positive identification.
- To compare the identification potential of the ankle versus the entire foot.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 54 pairs of presurgical and postsurgical ankle radiographs.
- Simulated postmortem identification using radiographic comparisons.
- Focus on skeletal features unique to the ankle region.
Main Results:
- Surgical intervention and subsequent healing do not prevent positive identification from ankle radiographs.
- Radiographic comparisons of the ankle are consistent with previous findings on the entire foot and ankle.
- The ankle possesses fewer unique skeletal features compared to the entire foot.
Conclusions:
- Ankle radiographs can be used for postmortem identification, even in individuals with prior surgery.
- While feasible, the ankle may be less reliable for identification than the entire foot due to fewer unique features.
- Surgical history does not eliminate the possibility of radiographic identification.