Interrelationship between forensic radiology and forensic odontology—A case report of identified skeletal remains

ObjectivesTo report a forensic case of positive human identification using radiographic and anthropological techniques.Material and methodsUnknown human skeletal remains were received, under the legal request for identification. Anthropological exams consisting in the analysis of teeth, long bones, and cranial features were performed to estimate the age, stature and gender of the victim. Post-mortem (PM) periapical radiograph of the teeth, and posteroanterior radiograph of the skull, were obtained and compared to ante-mortem (AM) recorded lateral and posteroanterior radiographs of a missing person.ResultsPositive matching was obtained by comparing mandibular molars between periapical (PM) and lateral radiographs (AM) and frontal sinuses between posteroanterior radiographs.ConclusionIn this context, the present case illustrates the usefulness of anthropological reconstructive procedures for identification narrowing the search for AM data. Further on, forensic radiographs of skeletal remains proved to be an important tool reproducing PM forensic records for comparative human identification.