Identification from radiographs

The identification of a radiograph as having been made from one particular person is an everyday task, usually undertaken by comparing an example with one or more of a previous series. Occasionally, the problem is to compare new views of human remains with radiographs of the same parts taken during life. Examples are reported wherein either procedure would have failed, as no significant differences were found in the bony or soft-tissue landmarks on chest radiographs of two sets of identical twins, aged 17 and 87 years. This may be a widespread phenomenon, not previously recognised from the rarity of twins presenting at the same time for the same examinations. Statements, based upon radiography, as to the identity of patients, must bear the caveat 'provided no identical twin exists'.