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Updated: Jun 13, 2026
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Scanning Skeletal Remains for Bone Mineral Density in Forensic Contexts
Published on: January 29, 2018
Autopsy-based evaluation of skeletonised human remains: A long-term Indian study
Brinda Patel1, Nidhi Sachdeva Agarwal1, Radhika Hande2
1Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Medical College, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India.
Bioinformation
|June 12, 2026
Summary
Forensic identification of skeletonized remains is challenging, especially in India. This study shows conventional methods work but need improvement for accurate post-mortem interval (PMI) estimation and to address concealment tactics.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Anthropology
- Medicolegal Investigation
- Public Health
Background:
- Skeletonized remains present significant forensic identification challenges, particularly in resource-limited environments.
- Attempts to conceal remains complicate medicolegal investigations and death investigations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze patterns of skeletonized cases in India.
- To assess the feasibility of conventional anthropological methods in resource-constrained settings.
- To highlight challenges in medicolegal death investigation and identify areas for improvement.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective descriptive study of 19 skeletonized autopsy cases.
- Assessment of demographic data using anthropological methods.
- Estimation of post-mortem interval (PMI) based on decomposition stage.
- Determination of cause and manner of death using available records.
Main Results:
- Conventional anthropological techniques were feasible despite resource limitations.
- Post-mortem interval (PMI) estimation was imprecise without advanced tools.
- Four cases (21%) involved deliberate concealment (cremation/burial), indicating disposal challenges in India.
- Significant infrastructure gaps and documentation needs were identified.
Conclusions:
- Conventional anthropological methods can be applied to skeletonized remains in resource-limited settings.
- There is a critical need for improved tools and standardized protocols for PMI estimation.
- Multidisciplinary collaboration is essential for optimal medicolegal outcomes in complex cases involving concealed remains.
