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Radiographic identification by mastoid sinus and arterial pattern
1Office of the Medical Investigator, State of New Mexico, University of New Mexico Medical School, Albuquerque.
Journal of Forensic Sciences
|January 1, 1991
Summary
Forensic anthropologists identified human remains near Santa Fe using anthropological analysis and radiographic details of the mastoid sinus and endocranial arteries. This method aids positive identification from skeletal remains when antemortem data is limited.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Anthropology
- Radiographic Analysis
- Human Identification
Background:
- Discovery of skeletal remains, including a skull and postcranial fragments, near Santa Fe, New Mexico.
- Initial anthropological analysis suggested the remains belonged to a single individual and were consistent with a missing person case.
Observation:
- Radiographic examination revealed specific details of the mastoid sinus and endocranial arterial patterns.
- These detailed anatomical features were crucial for the identification process.
Findings:
- Positive identification of the skeletal remains was achieved through a combination of anthropological assessment and detailed radiographic comparisons.
- Agreement in mastoid sinus and endocranial arterial patterns provided strong evidence for individual identification.
Implications:
- Highlights the utility of specific radiographic features (mastoid sinus, endocranial arteries) in forensic identification.
- Demonstrates a valuable method for identifying individuals from skeletal remains, particularly when limited antemortem radiographic data (lateral cranial vault studies) is available.