Journal Published Online: 01 July 1995
Volume 40, Issue 4

Positive Identification By Post-Surgical Defects from Unilateral Lambdoid Synostectomy: A Case Report

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

The comparison of pre- and postmortem radiographs as a method of identification of unknown human remains is well established in the forensic and radiologic literature. Identification can be based on a single bony feature when there is evidence of prior surgery, trauma or unusual anatomic variation. We present a case in which a positive identification was made using bony changes in the skull secondary to prior surgery for correction of unilateral lambdoid craniosynostosis. The unusual radiographic appearance of the bony defect initially raised the question of trauma and foul play.

Author Information

Hogge, JP
Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, D.C.
Messmer, JM
Medical College of Virginia, Richmond, VA
Fierro, MF
Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, Commonwealth of Virginia, Richmond, VA
Pages: 4
Price: $25.00
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Stock #: JFS13852J
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS13852J