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Anthropological and Radiographic Comparison of Vertebrae for Identification of Decomposed Human Remains
Author(s) -
Mundorff Amy Z.,
Vidoli Giovanna,
Melinek Judy
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
journal of forensic sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.715
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1556-4029
pISSN - 0022-1198
DOI - 10.1111/j.1556-4029.2006.00233.x
Subject(s) - radiography , identification (biology) , forensic anthropology , medicine , forensic identification , forensic pathology , radiology , autopsy , pathology , biology , archaeology , history , botany
This case study demonstrates the importance of involving an anthropologist in forensic situations with decomposed remains. Anthropological consultation was used in conjunction with the comparison of antemortem and postmortem radiographs to establish positive identification of unknown, decomposed remains. The remains had no traditional identifying features such as fingerprints or dental. Through anthropological analysis, it was determined the decedent was male, between 20 and 23 years at time of death and c . 5′2″ tall. This information allowed for a presumptive identification and a request for antemortem radiographs. The missing person was identified comparing the spinous processes of the cervical and thoracic vertebrae between ante‐ and postmortem radiographs.