Bite mark or bottle top?
An alleged assault was reported by a 42-year-old female, with initial medical examination revealing an apparent bite mark on the right buttock. Odontological examination, including visual assessment, full history and photographs showed that the injury did not meet the class characteristics of a human bite. Subsequent digital overlay production showed that the injury pattern was consistent with a corrugated bottle top. This case highlights the need for careful assessment of injuries alleged to be caused by human teeth.
Forensic Odontology Unit, University of Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia.
Helen
H
James
Giacomo N
GN
Cirillo
D000328:Adult; D001734:Bites, Human / Q000175:diagnosis*; D002081:Buttocks / Q000293:injuries* / Q000473:pathology*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D005553:Forensic Dentistry / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted