Personal individualization using post-craniotomic skull fenestration findings: a case report

Area of Science:

• Forensic anthropology
• Forensic pathology
• Bioarchaeology

Background:

• Personal identification of severely decomposed remains presents significant challenges in forensic practice.
• DNA analysis is often unfeasible in advanced decomposition states, necessitating alternative identification methods.
• Skeletal remains, particularly the innominate bone, are frequently the primary source for identification.

Observation:

• A severely decomposed innominate cadaver was discovered in a reed field.
• The cranial bones exhibited two distinct bone windows, indicative of a prior craniocerebral operation.
• These bone windows, along with other anatomical features, were meticulously examined.

Findings:

• Personal identification was successfully achieved by comparing the dimensions and location of the cranial bone windows with the individual's surgical records.
• The unique characteristics of the bone windows served as crucial markers for identification.
• This method proved effective in cases where traditional methods like DNA analysis were compromised.

Implications:

• Comparing cadaveric characteristics with existing medical records is a valuable strategy for personal identification.
• Skeletal analysis, especially of post-mortem alterations like surgical sites, offers a viable alternative for identifying decomposed individuals.
• This case underscores the importance of integrating historical medical data into forensic identification protocols.