Abstract

FERREIRA-SILVA, Rhonan et al. Skeletonized body identified by analysis of frontal sinus morphology and characteristics of osteosynthesis material: a forensic case report. Odontoestomatología [online]. 2018, vol.20, n.31, pp.65-70. ISSN 0797-0374.  https://doi.org/10.22592/ode2018n31a10.

Forensic dentistry is essential for the identification of highly decomposed and charred bodies, as well as skeletal remains. This study reports a case of human identification by analyzing the morphology of the frontal sinuses and osteosynthesis material. In the anthropological assessment of skeletal remains a surgical plate used for osteosynthesis was detected in the periorbital regions. Relatives of the potential victim provided ante-mortem (AM) radiographs which revealed the presence of an osteosynthesis plate. Post-mortem (PM) imaging exams were performed to reproduce the AM data. Similarities were observed between the AM and PM radiographs, especially regarding the morphology of the frontal sinuses and the position and outline of the surgical plate used for osteosynthesis. The comparison of AM and PM images made it possible to identify the victim and to aid the criminal investigation. It also highlighted the role of radiographs and anatomical characteristics in the process of human identification.

Keywords : forensic dentistry; forensic anthropology; frontal sinus; radiography.

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