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[The identification of unknown corpses by x-ray comparison]
T Riepert1, F Schweden, H Schild
1Institut für Rechtsmedizin, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz.
Rofo : Fortschritte Auf Dem Gebiete Der Rontgenstrahlen Und Der Nuklearmedizin
|March 1, 1995
Summary
Radiological identification of unknown bodies is a valuable, rapid, and cost-effective forensic method. This technique, using pre- and postmortem radiographs, proved as effective as fingerprint or dental comparisons.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Radiology
- Forensic Anthropology
- Radiological Identification
Background:
- Identification of unknown deceased individuals is a critical task in forensic science.
- Traditional methods like dactyloscopy and odontology have limitations.
- Radiological methods offer a complementary approach for body identification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of radiological identification of unknown bodies.
- To assess the suitability of different anatomical regions for radiological comparison.
- To explore methods for objectifying the probability of identity in radiological findings.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 30 unknown bodies identified between 1987 and 1993.
- Comparison of pre- and postmortem radiographs.
- Analysis of available radiographs dating up to 25 years prior.
Main Results:
- Radiological identification was found to be a useful, rapid, and inexpensive method.
- Effectiveness was comparable to dactyloscopy and odontological comparisons.
- Most suitable regions for identification included the skull, pelvis, lumbar spine, lower femur/knee, and distal leg/ankle.
Conclusions:
- Radiological identification is a highly valuable tool in forensic investigations.
- The method offers significant advantages in terms of speed and cost-effectiveness.
- Further research is needed to refine techniques for objectifying the probability of identity.