The forensic value of smile photograph and medical radiograph analysis in identifying human skeletonized remains: a case report

Abstract

Background: Identifying human remains which are skeletonized, carbonized, disfigured, or fragmentized is a common task for forensic anthropologists and odontologists. Case presentation: A case of unknown skeletonized remains is reported in this investigation, which was found in a mass grave in Damascus Countryside governorate, Syria, in 2017. The post-mortem (PM) examination of bones and teeth was completed in al-Muwasat University Hospital in Damascus. Skull and pelvic bones showed Caucasoid male traits: the fourth rib and teeth examination estimated the age to be between 30 and 40 years, and the long bone estimated the stature in centimeters to be between 172 and 179. Intact dentition with tiny fracture in the incisal edge of the upper right central incisor-along with pathological fracture of right patella-was noted. Matching with ante-mortem (AM) smile photograph and radiograph of the right knee led to positive identification. Conclusions: The present study highlights the importance of maintaining and storage of medical radiographs or any other records that show the teeth or bones of the person.

Analysis of smiling photograph; Operation US–Bangla Air Crash

“…In the absence of medical and dental records, these images provide a rich source of antemortem data as well as an alternative form of human identification. 11,12 The first case has a PFM crown in the photograph. PFM crowns are common in upper molars, but they may not be able to be used as a basis for identification until a complete dental record is retrieved from the dentists.…”

“…In the absence of medical and dental records, these images provide a rich source of antemortem data as well as an alternative form of human identification. 11,12…”

An interdisciplinary forensic approach for human remains identification and missing persons investigations

“…The use of digital forensic applications to recover information about a LTMP found on their personal digital devices or online accounts can potentially provide additional AM information to assist an investigation. Collection of images from family members or smart phones (e.g., ‘selfie’ or smiling photographs) have been used in several cases as supplementary dental evidence (Fakher et al, 2020; Miranda et al, 2016; Silva et al, 2015). A forensic odontologist may be able to interpret features observed in AM photographs, including various dental variations and characteristics such as diastema, teeth rotations, missing teeth, and lip anomalies, and compare with equivalent dental features observed during the forensic odontological examination of the UHR.…”