Identification of a Carbonized Body Using Implanted Surgical Plates: The Importance of Computed Tomography

Abstract

In addition to clinical examination, forensic odontologists can use diagnostic imaging as an auxiliary method for identification. This paper reports a case where forensic odontologists from the Afrânio Peixoto Legal Medicine Institute in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) positively identified a carbonized and partially calcined body using oral and maxillofacial imaging. The cadaver showed several metallic plates fixed with metallic screws on bones of the neurocranium and viscerocranium. Family members provided spiral computed tomography scans of the skull and a panoramic radiograph that were acquired after an accident that required surgical procedures. Comparative analysis between the clinical exam and the maxillofacial images demonstrated complete coincidence, confirming the victim's identity. Dactyloscopy, which is the most commonly used method of identification, was not possible because of the body carbonization. Thus, diagnostic imaging, especially computed tomography, was essential for elucidation of this case.

Survey of dental hygienists' and dental hygienist students' attitudes towards body identification tasks of unidentified human remains

“…One of the main tasks of forensic odontology is the identification of unidentified human remains using dental treatment marks (dental prosthesis and filling, etc) 1‐5 . Other scientific methods for body identification include DNA typing and fingerprinting 6‐11 .…”

“…One of the main tasks of forensic odontology is the identification of unidentified human remains using dental treatment marks (dental prosthesis and filling, etc). [1][2][3][4][5] Other scientific methods for body identification include DNA typing and fingerprinting. [6][7][8][9][10][11] Forensic dental identification is not only effective for recently unidentified human remains but is also useful when mass disasters occur and cause numerous deaths.…”