The use of multiple exostoses in the identification of incinerated human remains: a case report.
A case of roentgenographic medical identification of an incinerated deceased sixteen-year-old male is reported. Comparison of ante-mortem and post-mortem radiographs of the fibula, tibia and femur for purposes of identification was based on the deceased person's recent radiographic medical history, recorded less than two months prior to the death, with a diagnosis of multiple exostoses. Radiographic evaluation of the anatomic variants of the lower limb bones associated with this neoplastic process provided a positive identification in a visually unidentifiable person with no antemortem dental records, and an inability to fingerprint due to soft tissue destruction.
Wilcher
Glenn
G
Department of Forensic Medicine, Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research, Westmead Hospital, P.O. BOX 533, Wentworthville, 2145 Sydney, Australia. glennw@icpmr.wsahs.nsw.gov.au
D000063:Accidents, Traffic / Q000401:mortality; D001344:Autopsy / Q000379:methods*; D005096:Exostoses / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D018732:Forensic Anthropology / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D017745:Incineration; D035002:Lower Extremity / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008297:Male; D009517:New South Wales; D011859:Radiography