A New Digital Method for the Objective Comparison of Frontal Sinuses for Identification*

Abstract

Use of the frontal sinuses for identification requires an objective method of comparison to meet Daubert standards. Christensen's application of Elliptical Fourier Analysis and Likelihood Ratios seems to be a viable solution for this problem. The proposed method draws upon this work and attempts to simplify its application. Variation between pairs of digitized sinus tracings was quantified by summing the difference between corresponding measurements taken from a fixed origin to the outer edge of the sinus outlines using Adobe Photoshop CS2. Same-skull and different-skull pairs were used to develop reference distributions from which the probability of unknown pairs coming from the same or a different individual was estimated. Error rates of 0% were achieved. Resulting correlation coefficients demonstrated inter-rater and test-retest reliability. Further refinement of the reference distributions and more rigorous testing of error rates should make this technique applicable to casework.

Virtual Assessment of the Endocranial Morphology of the Early Modern European Fossil Calvaria From Cioclovina, Romania

“…However, the difficulties in ascertaining their homology in fossils impede the understanding of their phylogenetic significance. Furthermore, among modern humans, the degree of anatomical variability reported for several temporally and spatially distinct populations (Buckland-Wright, 1970;Kupczik, 1999;O'Higgins et al, 2006) is so high that the anatomy of the frontal sinus is considered a unique cranial feature extensively used in forensic identification (Quatrehomme et al, 1996;Christensen, 2004;Cox et al, 2009). Frontal sinus agenesis in Cioclovina as extrapolated by the CT reconstruction confirms the observation of Rainer and Simionescu, (1942) inferred by means of radiography.…”

Histomorphometry of the Ligaments Using a Generic-Purpose Image Processing Software, a New Strategy for Semi-Automatized Measurements

“…We chose AP due to its versatility and ease of application since it is an intuitive software, and we performed the first studies on irregular structures. Adobe Photoshop® has been used to enhance digital images in different areas, and its power has been confirmed in diagnostic imaging [8][9][10] including construction of three-dimensional images [11], in the study of friction surfaces in arthroplasties [12] or adjustment implant fixation to bone anatomy [13], in different histologic [14][15][16][17][18] and clinical studies [19][20][21][22][23][24] and even in forensic studies [25]. Our group has applied this software to quantify proprioceptive structures of ACL reconstructions [26][27][28][29] and the quantification of fracture callus in rats under experimental conditions [30].…”

Usability of CT Images of Frontal Sinus in Forensic Personal Identification

“…This empirically accepted variability was proven (Christensen, 2005). Second feature is its relatively stable structure during adult life (Cox et al, 2009). But changes in the dimensions of the frontal sinus throughout the adult life were shown by the investigators (McLaughlin, et al, 2001;Tatlisumak et al, 2008).…”

“…Thirdly, the resiliency of the frontal sinus makes it useful for forensic purposes. It has very strong walls and preserved intact in human remains (Marlin, et al, 1991;Nambiar, et al, 1999;Fairgrieve, 2008) Fourthly, paranasal sinus radiographs are taken commonly for diagnostic purposes and almost everybody has one in his/her health folder (Tatlisumak, et al, 2007;Cox, et al, 2009). Radiographic comparison permits the matching of unique anatomical features and has the advantage of making possible the matching of external and internal bony anatomy, therefore increasing by several-fold the potential number of points of correspondence available for identification (Jablonski & Shum, 1989).…”

“…Firstly, it presents highly variable nature and shows variation even among the monozygotic twins (Yoshino et al, 1987;Quatrehomme et al, 1996;Cox et al, 2009). This empirically accepted variability was proven (Christensen, 2005).…”