Forensic Radiology: Identification and Injury Analysis

Radiology

Used for identifying remains and injuries.

Radiologic Identification

Depends on antemortem and postmortem images.

Antemortem Radiographs

Images taken before death for comparison.

Postmortem Radiography

X-rays taken after death for identification.

Biological Profile

General information from skeletal remains.

Skeletal Identification

Most durable tissue used for identification.

Frontal Sinuses

Unique to individuals, like fingerprints.

Cliniod Processes

Structures aiding in skull identification.

Sella Turcica

Deep skull structure often survives trauma.

Chest Radiography

Most frequently radiographed body area.

Cervicothoracic Junction

Survives calamity, aiding in identification.

General Information

Data without antemortem studies.

Specific Information

Derived from individual skeletal peculiarities.

Gallstones

Useful for radiological comparisons in identification.

Surgical Sutures

Aid in comparative identification of remains.

Paranasal Sinuses

Distinctive features for skull identification.

Mastoid Air Cells

Unique structures aiding in identification.

Thrombi

Useful in radiological comparisons.

Parasitic Infections

Can be identified through radiology.

Soft Tissues

Similar density, less useful for identification.

Water Density

Characteristic of non-skeletal soft tissues.

X-ray Tube Positioning

Varies between clinical and postmortem films.

Comparative Identification

Matching patterns in antemortem and postmortem images.

Postmortem chest films

X-rays taken of deceased in supine position.

Cervicothoracic junction

Area where cervical spine meets thoracic spine.

Costal cartilage calcification

Calcium deposits in rib cartilage aiding identification.

Pleural calcification

Calcium buildup in pleura, useful for identification.

Pulmonary calcification

Calcium deposits in lungs, can indicate pathology.

Sternal configuration

Shape of sternum, occasionally aids in identification.

Scapular configuration

Shape of scapula, useful in rare identification cases.

Clavicle changes

Alterations in clavicle assist in positive identification.

Abdominal wall survival

Abdomen often survives incineration or trauma.

Lumbar spine anomalies

Variations in lumbar spine useful for identification.

Degenerative spurring

Bone growths indicating degeneration, useful in identification.

Iliac artery calcifications

Calcium deposits in iliac arteries may indicate pathology.

Vascular grooves

Distinct patterns in bones aiding identification.

Trabecular patterns

Unique bone structures useful for identification.

Single bone identification

Identifying remains based on a single bone's features.

Iatrogenic interference

Health issues from medical treatment affecting identification.

Cause of death

Determined through radiologic examination and historical data.

Osseous injury

Bone damage from trauma or repetitive stress.

Fracture analysis

Examining fractures to determine injury cause.

Skull fracture examination

Studying fracture lines reveals injury sequence.

Sharp force injury

Penetrating wounds often undetectable on X-ray.

Foreign bodies in radiology

Metallic objects visible; narcotics packaging detectable.

Drowning radiographs

Lung density from pulmonary edema in drowning victims.

Air embolism in diving

Air bubbles in blood from scuba diving accidents.

Pugilistic Attitude

Muscle shrinkage causing wrist and ankle fractures.

Cremation Temperature

2012°F increases bone shrinkage during cremation.

Thermal Fractures

Longitudinal fractures in de-fleshed dry bones.

Gunshot Wound Path

Bullet travels straight until energy loss.

Exit Wound

Opening where bullet exits the body.

Radiography

Imaging technique to locate bullets in body.

Bullet Count Correlation

Number of bullets matched with entry/exit wounds.

Jacketed Bullets

Bullets that may separate from projectiles.

Caliber Differentiation

Identifying bullet calibers indicates multiple shooters.

Range of Fire

Determined by inspection of body and clothing.

Subdural Hematoma

Blood collection between skull and brain surface.

Cerebral Edema

Brain swelling due to fluid accumulation.

Metaphyseal Fractures

Injuries to the growing plate of long bones.

Diaphyseal Fractures

Fractures from twisting and torsion forces.

Transverse Fractures

Fractures caused by grabbing or swinging.

Facial Fractures

Common in assaults, especially in battered women.

Le Fort Fractures

Facial fractures classified into three types.

Le Fort I Fracture

Horizontal fracture across maxilla, below the nose.

Le Fort II Fracture

Fracture involving midsection of the face.

Le Fort III Fracture

Complete separation of face from skull base.

Elderly Abuse

Increasing recognition of physical maltreatment in elderly.

Maxillofacial Injuries

Injuries to the face, often from abuse.