title: IMPORTANCE OF A NATIONAL ARTHROPLASTY REGISTER FOR IDENTIFICATION BY MEDICAL EXAMINER.
abstract: Mass catastrophes are realities that come to pass with lamentable frequency. In such situations, one of the fundamental forensic problems is in relation to identifying the victims. All the elements that might be capable of contributing towards this identification process are essential, and among these are orthopedic prostheses, which frequently remain intact. These prostheses consist basically of polymers, ceramics or metals. Metal components, which are usually composed of titanium, chromium, cobalt or steel alloys, are resistant to violent trauma or high temperatures. Human identification is possible if the identity of the implant is established and if this can be correlated with the individual in whom it was implanted. The logo on the prosthesis establishes who the manufacturer was and the serial number can be compared with the clinical process or with a prosthesis register, as has been implemented in several countries. The information in the database should include the patient's name, the implant model and its serial number, for consultation only in cases of forensic identification, while obviously respecting ethical issues of privacy. This article highlights the importance of creating a national prosthesis register.
authors.affiliation: Military Physician and Orthopedist at Hospital de Vila Franca de Xira; Medical Examiner in the Medical Examiners' Office, Torres Vedras. Postgraduate Degree in Forensic Anthropology from the University of Coimbra, Portugal.
authors.forename: Carlos Henrique
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Durão
authors.affiliation: Director of the Orthopedics Service, Hospital de São João, Porto, Portugal.
authors.forename: Rui
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Pinto
authors.affiliation: National Coordinator of the Portuguese Arthroplasty Register and Orthopedist at the Hospital Center of Tâmega e Sousa, Penafiel, Portugal.
authors.forename: Costa
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ribeiro
authors.affiliation: Professor and Chair of the Coimbra School of Medicine and President of the INML, Coimbra, Portugal.
authors.forename: Duarte
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Vieira
keywords: Disasters; Forensic Anthropology; Forensic Medicine; Forensic Pathology