Forensic Radiology

Abstract

Imaging techniques are powerful tools in forensic sciences. Medical examiners, forensic pathologists, and anthropologists are required to interpret findings from imaging studies to further medicolegal investigations. Often, the forensic investigator calls on the radiologist, whose expertise might prove invaluable in forensic consultations. Radiological studies are instrumental in medicolegal investigations involving the location of foreign bodies within the body (i.e., bullets, gas emboli), documentation of fractures, and other mechanical injuries. Virtual autopsy (virtopsy), which involves a full-body computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging examination to obtain two-dimensional and three-dimensional documentation has been proposed as an alternative to conventional autopsy in cases when the next of kin oppose the necroscopy and as a complementary tool for better visualization of postmortem findings. Antemortem and postmortem radiographic comparison is a common procedure in the identification of unknown human remains in most forensic facilities throughout the world. Computerized record keeping, available in most hospitals, expedites the retrieval of individual x-ray films, making radiographic comparison one of the most common techniques used by forensic pathologists and anthropologists to establish positive identification of unknown remains. The use of radiographs in routine and mass disaster identification has long been in effect, and its application in necroidentification is efficient, swift, and relatively easy. Age estimation of the living as well as of cadavers relies heavily on data regarding growth and developmental stages of the individual as obtained from dental and skeletal radiographs. Medical practitioners should be aware of the importance of storing radiographs for prolonged periods of time and of efficient record keeping methods because of various legal problems that might arise requiring the films for later interpretation or for their presentation in court.Key WordsForensic radiologyforensic anthropologyimaging techniquesidentificationage estimationmass disastersnonaccidental injuryphysical child abuse