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Positive identification by post-surgical defects from unilateral lambdoid synostectomy: a case report
J P Hogge1, J M Messmer, M F Fierro
1Georgetown University Medical Center, Department of Radiology, Washington, D.C., USA.
Journal of Forensic Sciences
|July 1, 1995
Summary
Radiographs aid in identifying unknown remains by comparing pre- and postmortem images. A unique skull defect from craniosynostosis surgery confirmed identity, initially mistaken for trauma.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Radiology
- Medical Imaging
- Human Identification
Background:
- Radiographic comparison of pre- and postmortem images is a standard forensic technique for identifying human remains.
- Identification can rely on unique bony features resulting from surgery, trauma, or anatomical variations.
Observation:
- A case study involving unidentified human remains presented unusual bony changes in the skull.
- These changes were initially suspected to be indicative of trauma or foul play.
Findings:
- The observed skull defect was definitively linked to surgical correction of unilateral lambdoid craniosynostosis.
- This specific surgical alteration allowed for a positive identification of the remains.
Implications:
- This case highlights the critical role of surgical history in radiographic identification of human remains.
- It underscores the importance of considering iatrogenic causes for unusual radiographic findings, preventing misinterpretation as trauma.
