Mark Viner

The Use of Radiology in Mass Fatality Events

Abstract Since very shortly after the announcement by Wilhelm Conrad Rontgen of his discovery of “A New Type of Ray” in December 1895, radiology has been widely used to assist in the analysis and identification of human remains. The applications of the use of X-rays first suggested by Levinsohn, Angerer, and Bordas still comprise the main methods by which medical imaging contributes to the identification and investigative process. Radiological imaging has the advantage of enabling the examination of remains in a variety of states of decomposition from fully fleshed to completely skeletonized. In an era when the invasive nature of some forensic medical procedures is increasingly at odds with the acceptable norms of society, it affords the opportunity to obtain a considerable amount of data without the need to clean and completely deflesh the remains, and it provides the investigative team with a rapid method of triage and classification by answering a number of fundamental questions described in this chapter.

A Post-mortem Evaluation of the Degree of Mobility in an Individual with Severe Kyphoscoliosis Using Direct Digital Radiography (DR) and Multi-Detector Computed Tomography (MDCT)

Since 2010, the Bioanthropology Research Institute at Quinnipiac University, in collaboration with the Inforce Foundation, Cranfield Forensic Institute at Cranfield University and the Centre for Human Bioarchaeology, Museum of London, has established a temporary field radiographic facility under St Bride’s Church, Fleet Street, London, in order to conduct a radiographic survey of the skeletal remains of 227 individuals from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries interred in the crypt and retained in the church. The collection constitutes a unique assemblage of skeletal remains covering a date range of 1676–1852/1853, with biographical data and detailed parish records. One of the skeletons demonstrated not only severe kyphoscoliosis, but also an uncharacteristic robustness of the femora and humeri for such a severe spinal deformity. Based on initial radiographs, it was determined the remains were stable enough to be transported to St Bartholomew’s Hospital for additional examination using multi-detector computed tomography to better visualize the internal structure of the skeleton. This chapter considers the different diagnoses derived from the radiographic studies and the analysis in attempting to establish the individual’s degree of mobility and impairment, placed in conjunction with the social conditions for the parish at this time.

Overview of Advances in Forensic Radiological Methods of Human Identification

Shortly after the discovery of X-rays in 1895, radiological methods have been widely used to assist in examination of human remains, contributing to the identification and investigative process. In our modern era when the invasive nature of some forensic medical procedures are increasingly at odds with the acceptable norms of society, medical imaging techniques enable the noninvasive examination of remains in a variety of states of decomposition. Recent advances in computer technology have revolutionized medical imaging methods which now employ radioactive materials, sound waves, and magnetic fields in addition to X-ray technology. This chapter reviews the current contribution of postmortem medical imaging methods to forensic skeletal human identification, discussing applications, equipment, and techniques used together with their relative advantages and disadvantages. It discusses current developments within the field and highlights the opportunities and challenges that forensic practitioners face when examining skeletal remains.

Chapter 5 – The Use of Radiology in Mass Fatality Events

Since very shortly after the announcement by Wilhelm Conrad Rontgen of his discovery of “A New Type of Ray” in December 1895, radiology has been widely used to assist in the analysis and identification of human remains. The applications of the use of X-rays first suggested by Levinsohn, Angerer, and Bordas still comprise the main methods by which medical imaging contributes to the identification and investigative process. Radiological imaging has the advantage of enabling the examination of remains in a variety of states of decomposition from fully fleshed to completely skeletonized. In an era when the invasive nature of some forensic medical procedures is increasingly at odds with the acceptable norms of society, it affords the opportunity to obtain a considerable amount of data without the need to clean and completely deflesh the remains, and it provides the investigative team with a rapid method of triage and classification by answering a number of fundamental questions described in this chapter.