Post-mortem computed tomography and 3D imaging: anthropological applications for juvenile remains

Abstract

Anthropological examination of defleshed bones is routinely used in medico-legal investigations to establish an individual's biological profile. However, when dealing with the recently deceased, the removal of soft tissue from bone can be an extremely time consuming procedure that requires the presence of a trained anthropologist. In addition, due to its invasive nature, in some disaster victim identification scenarios the maceration of bones is discouraged by religious practices and beliefs, or even prohibited by national laws and regulations. Currently, three different radiological techniques may be used in the investigative process; plain X-ray, dental X-ray and fluoroscopy. However, recent advances in multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) mean that it is now possible to acquire morphological skeletal information from high resolution images, reducing the necessity for invasive procedures. This review paper considers the possible applications of a virtual anthropological examination by reviewing the main juvenile age determination methods used by anthropologists at present and their possible adaption to MDCT.

The epiphyseal scar: changing perceptions in relation to skeletal age estimation

“…This has allowed practitioners to undertake skeletal assessments, including skeletal age estimation, through virtual means rather than through dissection or maceration (Brough et al, 2012, Dedouit et al, 2008, Dedouit et al, 2007a, Dedouit et al, 2007b, Telmon et al, 2005.…”

Disaster Victim Identification using Orthopedic Implants in the 2011 East-Japan Earthquake and Tsunami

“…Prieto et al (2007) reported their successful and well-organized DVI in the Madrid terrorist attacks using X-ray screening. Because the tsunami expanded longitudinally along the coast where the towns are scattered and the fragile traffic system connecting the local towns was heavily devastated, we used a portable X-ray device that is usually used at Iwate Prefectural Tono Hospital, near Kamaishi, for home medical care in remote areas; the difficult geographic conditions and lack of electricity did not allow the use of large, whole-body X-ray and computed tomography (CT) equipment despite their reported usefulness for screening human remains for medical information and estimation of age and sex (Simpson et al 2007;Blau et al 2008;Wilson et al 2011;Brough et al 2012). In the present study, we also used a portable X-ray for home medical care, namely the AeroDR (Konica Minolta, Tokyo), to detect X-ray opaque objects and estimate the age and sex of the remains (data not shown); an orthopedic surgeon provided the estimated age and sex to regional police.…”

The future of pediatric and perinatal postmortem imaging

“…For example, juvenile techniques investigate the appearance and fusion of ossification sites, the diaphyseal length of the long bones, and dental development, which are not always applicable to adult remains. However, a recent review by Brough et al has demonstrated that all the measurements required for current juvenile age estimation methods are reproducible using PMCT and all morphological assessment markers are also discernible (45). The authors illustrated that curved MPR's could be used to replicate dental orthopantomographs (OPT's) (Figure 2), MPR's could be used to produce good quality radiographs in the x-, y-, and zplanes (Figure 3), and three-dimensional volume rendered images could be used to view ossification centers, bones and teeth in detail for a comprehensive full-body assessment ( Figure 4).…”