Evaluation of the applicability of regression equations for sorting commingled remains on 3-Dimensional bony elements from CT scans.

Abstract

This pilot study examines the applicability of osteometric models for addressing commingled remains, which were originally developed for dry specimens, on 3-Dimensional bony elements in relation to a modern cadaveric population. A total of 70 bony elements (humeri, radii, ulnae, femora, tibiae and fibulae) were segmented and virtually reconstructed from cadaveric whole-body CT scans. Linear measurements were taken (using MeshLab v.2016.12) of the 3-Dimensional elements and osteometric models for sorting applied to them (Byrd and Adams, 2003). This study showed that on the selected specimens the quality of the surface of the reconstructed specimens compromised the efficacy of the models, and consequently the reliability of the results.