A novel forensic protocol for age reversal facial approximation from elderly skulls using computed tomography scans,...

Area of Science:

• Forensic Anthropology
• Medical Imaging
• Computational Biology

Background:

• Age-related facial changes, including bone degradation and tooth loss, complicate facial reconstruction.
• Accurate facial approximations require addressing these age-specific alterations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a detailed protocol for reconstructing a youthful face from an elderly individual's skull.
• To scientifically reverse age-related facial structural changes for forensic facial approximation.

Main Methods:

• Utilized Computed Tomography (CT) scans of elderly skulls.
• Applied average soft tissue thickness measurements based on ethnicity, age, and BMI.
• Integrated open-source facial modeling software with Computer-Aided Design (CAD) for mandible repositioning and dentoalveolar reconstruction.
• Leveraged anthropometric and FACEBASE 3D databases.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated a protocol for realistic youthful facial reconstruction from aged skeletal remains.
• Successfully applied the methodology in a case study for the forensic facial approximation of Blessed Giacomo Illirico.
• Validated the protocol's ability to reverse aging effects on facial structure.

Conclusions:

• The developed protocol provides a scientifically grounded method for age-reversed facial reconstruction.
• This technique enhances forensic anthropology capabilities for visualizing past appearances.
• The study offers a novel approach to digital facial reconstruction in forensic and historical contexts.