CT analysis of bone density changes following hot water maceration in forensic contexts

Soft tissue removal is a fundamental step in forensic anthropology, allowing for the detailed analysis of bone morphology and trauma. Among the available maceration techniques, hot water maceration is widely used due to its efficiency and ease of application. However, its effects on internal bone structure remain poorly documented. This study assessed the impact of simmering water maceration (85°C, 6 days) on cortical bone density using computed tomography (CT). Twelve paired femora and humeri from six human donors were scanned before and after maceration. Cortical bone density was measured in Hounsfield units (HU) at the proximal and distal diaphyses. Results showed no statistically significant changes in bone density post-maceration (p > 0.05). Femora demonstrated higher density than humeri, and male donors exhibited greater values than females. Intra- and inter-observer reproducibility was excellent, validating the reliability of the imaging protocol. These findings tend to support the idea that hot water maceration preserves bone mineral integrity and supports its continued use in forensic settings. The study also demonstrates the utility of CT-based densitometry as a precise, non-invasive method for postmortem bone analysis, contributing to the standardization of forensic protocols.