Anthropological Measurement of Lower Limb and Foot Bones Using Multi‐Detector Computed Tomography

Abstract

Anthropological examination of defleshed bones is the gold standard for osteological measurement in forensic practice. However, multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) offers the opportunity of three-dimensional imaging of skeletal elements, allowing measurement of bones in any plane without defleshing. We present our experiences of the examination of 15 human lower limbs in different states of decomposition using MDCT. We present our method of imaging and radiological measurement of the bones including sex assessment. The radiological measurements were undertaken by three professional groups--anthropology, radiology, and forensic pathology--both at the site of scanning and at a remote site. The results were compared to anthropological oestological assessment of the defleshed bones. We discuss the limitations of this technique and the potential applications of our observations. We introduce the concept of remote radiological anthropological measurement of bones, so-called tele-anthro-radiology and the role that this could play in providing the facility for standardization of protocols, international peer review and quality assurance schemes.

Accuracy and reliability of measurements obtained from computed tomography 3D volume rendered images

“…However, the 95% confidence interval for the measurement difference between CT and dry bone measurements of the lower limb and foot was approximately +/-5 mm [2], which is considerably larger than the generally accepted level in anthropology. The range of measurement error obtained by Verhoff et al [19] is between 1 and 2 mm; a result that is more acceptable within forensic applications.…”

“…air and bone). Several studies compared the measurements obtained from bones within the soft tissues and measurements of the same bones following the removal of soft tissues [1, 2,19]. Both Decker et al…”

“…[1] and Robinson et al [2] argue that the virtual models are highly accurate and measurements obtained from CT images can be used in forensic anthropological applications. However, the 95% confidence interval for the measurement difference between CT and dry bone measurements of the lower limb and foot was approximately +/-5 mm [2], which is considerably larger than the generally accepted level in anthropology.…”

“…Multiple research studies have suggested the use of three-dimensional (3D) reconstructed computed tomography (CT) scans to provide a means of accurate data collection from the human body, allowing the anthropologist to bypass the need to remove soft tissues [1][2][3][4], a process that is time consuming and may conflict with religious beliefs. Furthermore, when skeletal samples are not available to create population specific formula, anthropologists may need to utilize a different source to acquire suitable data.…”

The future of pediatric and perinatal postmortem imaging

“…Culbert and Law (1927) Currently there is no agreed protocol to create a biological profile from PMCT examination of juveniles or adults. The literature presents a number of studies using single osteological or odontological assessments to assist with biological profiling (41)(42)(43)(44), but a system compiling all of these assessments into a single protocol had yet to be published or presented. In addition, the majority of these studies have been conducted using an adult cohort, with very few extending to the juvenile age range.…”