ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Page Count: 9

The Use of Human Skin in the Fabrication of a Bite Mark Template: Two Case Reports
Frair, J
Forensic photography consultant, TX

Seal, MD
Forensic photography consultant, MS

West, MH
Deputy medical examiner, Forrest County, MS

Barsley, RE
Associate professor, Louisiana State University School of Dentistry, LA

(Received 16 October 1989; accepted 22 December 1989)

Abstract

Comparison of a suspected biter's dental arches with the patterned injury of a bite mark is especially difficult when the bite occurs in an anatomic location with a small radius of curvature or with complex or compound curves. The authors present two case reports in which human skin was used as a template for the reproduction of a bite. In one case the victim's skin was used; in the other, the skin of a anatomically similar person was used. The use of inked dental casts, photography, and transparent overlays significantly reduced the errors common to analysis of bite marks in these highly curved areas.

Keywords:
odontology, bite marks, human identification

Paper ID: JFS12986J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS12986J
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