Skeletal Identification by Radiographic Comparison: Blind Tests of a Morphoscopic Method Using Antemortem Chest Radiographs*^,†,‡

Abstract

This study investigated the value of antemortem (AM) and postmortem (PM) radiographs of the claviculae and C3-T4 vertebrae to identify skeletons of missing U.S. soldiers from past military operations. In total, 12 field-recovered skeletons and AM chest radiographs of 1460 individuals were used. For each skeleton, examiners analyzed an array of AM chest radiographs (up to 1000 individuals) and attempted to identify the correct PM/AM radiographic match. When examiners were able to compare all images within a single test, only true-positive identifications were made. When AM radiographs were presented one-at-a-time, in sequential order, and without examiners having knowledge of array size, erroneous identifications resulted but they were almost exclusively made by untrained examiners (accuracy = 35% vs. 90% for trained examiners). This study demonstrates the value of chest radiographs for the identification of disarticulated and even eroded skeletons, but only when methods are wielded by trained examiners.

Radiographic Identification Using Midline Medical Sternotomy Wires,

“…This research follows numerous other radiographic studies that have analyzed the scapula, hyoid, hand, chest, frontal sinuses, vertebrae, clavicles, maxillary sinuses, ankle, and orthopedic surgical devices to identify human remains . While previous studies have tested the reliability of surgically implanted devices, these findings have focused on the type of device, such as hip implants and plates/screws related to fracture repair , or the manufacturer and lot number .…”

Radiographic Comparison of a Fractured Clavicle Exhibiting a Pseudo‐Arthrosis*

“…While some authors have emphasized the use of either abnormal (see, e.g., [1,20]) or normal anatomic features (see, e.g., [2,21]) in radiographic comparisons, this case highlights the utility of concurrently using both types of features when abnormal anatomy is present. In those cases where trauma is present, the comparison of both the normal and abnormal anatomy should be undertaken to maximize the surety of the case findings, rather than relying upon congruence in fracture type and site alone.…”

The Korea 208

“…Antemortem chest radiographs are available for approximately 70% of the U.S. service members missing from the Korean War, as a result of tuberculosis screening that was universally adopted across the U.S. Armed Forces in 1942 (Long and Lew 1945;Stephan et al 2011). This method has been validated through a series of blind tests with 90% accuracy when performed by trained examiners (Stephan et al 2011).…”

“…This method has been validated through a series of blind tests with 90% accuracy when performed by trained examiners (Stephan et al 2011). Individuals on the short list are classified as a match, not a match, or cannot be excluded.…”