TY - JOUR
T1 - Radiologic identification of unknown human remains
AU - Murphy, W. A.
AU - Spruill, F. G.
AU - Gantner, G. E.
N1 - Copyright:
Copyright 2020 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.
PY - 1980
Y1 - 1980
N2 - During the 15 months from April 1978 through July 1979, 3964 cases were referred to the City of St. Louis, Office of the Medical Examiner. Of these, 71 (1.8%) required investigation to establish identification (ID). All cases were rigorously investigated to establish the most scientifically sound ID possible. In addition to evidence from the scene, fingerprint, dental, and X-ray studies were attempted. Fifty (80.4%) individuals were scientifically identified, 17 (24%) were circumstantially identified, and 4 (5.6%) remain unidentified. Thirty (60%) of the 50 scientific IDs were by comparison of postmortem and premortem radiographs. Positive ID was accomplished in 22 cases of decomposition, 4 fire victims, 2 inadvertent body misidentifications, 1 submersion victim, and 1 suicide. Although all regions of the body were useful for ID, chest, skull, and abdominal radiographs were most frequently helpful. Anatomic, disease, and postsurgical features provided the unique features necessary for identification.
AB - During the 15 months from April 1978 through July 1979, 3964 cases were referred to the City of St. Louis, Office of the Medical Examiner. Of these, 71 (1.8%) required investigation to establish identification (ID). All cases were rigorously investigated to establish the most scientifically sound ID possible. In addition to evidence from the scene, fingerprint, dental, and X-ray studies were attempted. Fifty (80.4%) individuals were scientifically identified, 17 (24%) were circumstantially identified, and 4 (5.6%) remain unidentified. Thirty (60%) of the 50 scientific IDs were by comparison of postmortem and premortem radiographs. Positive ID was accomplished in 22 cases of decomposition, 4 fire victims, 2 inadvertent body misidentifications, 1 submersion victim, and 1 suicide. Although all regions of the body were useful for ID, chest, skull, and abdominal radiographs were most frequently helpful. Anatomic, disease, and postsurgical features provided the unique features necessary for identification.
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U2 - 10.1520/jfs11286j
DO - 10.1520/jfs11286j
M3 - Article
C2 - 7430986
AN - SCOPUS:0019205964
SN - 0022-1198
VL - 25
SP - 727
EP - 735
JO - Journal of Forensic Sciences
JF - Journal of Forensic Sciences
IS - 4
ER -