The forensic value of smile photograph and medical radiograph analysis in identifying human skeletonized remains: a case report

Abstract

Abstract Background Identifying human remains which are skeletonized, carbonized, disfigured, or fragmentized is a common task for forensic anthropologists and odontologists. Case presentation A case of unknown skeletonized remains is reported in this investigation, which was found in a mass grave in Damascus Countryside governorate, Syria, in 2017. The post-mortem (PM) examination of bones and teeth was completed in al-Muwasat University Hospital in Damascus. Skull and pelvic bones showed Caucasoid male traits: the fourth rib and teeth examination estimated the age to be between 30 and 40 years, and the long bone estimated the stature in centimeters to be between 172 and 179. Intact dentition with tiny fracture in the incisal edge of the upper right central incisor—along with pathological fracture of right patella—was noted. Matching with ante-mortem (AM) smile photograph and radiograph of the right knee led to positive identification. Conclusions The present study highlights the importance of maintaining and storage of medical radiographs or any other records that show the teeth or bones of the person.

Keywords

• Human remains
• Forensic anthropology
• Identification
• Forensic radiology