Anthropological and radiographic comparison of antemortem surgical records for identification of skeletal remains.
This case review illustrates the important contributions of forensic archeological methods and forensic anthropological analysis to the identification of found skeletal remains. After reassociation of skeletal remains found in two locations, anthropological analysis provided the basis for a presumptive identification and a request for antemortem medical records. Partial DNA profiles were supportive but not conclusive and antemortem dental records were not available. Comparison of antemortem traumas, skeletal morphology, and surgical artifacts with antemortem radiographs and surgical records led to positive identification of an individual missing for almost a decade.
Scott
Audrey L
AL
Centre for Forensic Research, Department of Archaeology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada. audreys@sfu.ca
Congram
Derek
D
Sweet
David
D
Fonseca
Stephen
S
Skinner
Mark
M
D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000473:pathology; D006259:Craniocerebral Trauma / Q000601:surgery; D003829:Denture, Partial; D004653:Empyema / Q000601:surgery; D018732:Forensic Anthropology / Q000379:methods; D017102:Fracture Healing; D006801:Humans; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008499:Medical Records; D008875:Middle Aged; D010294:Parietal Bone / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D011013:Pneumonectomy; D012253:Rib Fractures / Q000473:pathology*; D013525:Surgical Instruments; D017792:Surgical Stapling; D017287:Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt