Experiences in tsunami victim identification.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Asia, Southeastern↗
Biomedical subjects
S Benthaus
Publications and source records attributed to S Benthaus.
The Kaiser's tooth.
The recovery of DNA from teeth is usually associated with the destruction of the evidential tooth using, for instance a special grinding mill. In some cases, however, a minimal invasive method of DNA retrieval with a high recovery is required particularly when historical material has to be investigated. A tooth attributed to the German Emperor Wilhelm II was the only source of DNA in an analysis of a possible paternity and the DNA had to be extracted without destroying the appearance of the tooth. Here, the results of the DNA analysis are presented.
DNA↗
Post-mortem orthopantomography--an aid in screening for identification purposes.
Ante-mortem orthopantomograms may be of great value in the identification of human remains. This x-ray technique provides an overall view of the teeth and jaws and thus of numerous individual structural characteristics within a short time. Standardised post-mortem orthopantomography has previously not been feasible in the forensic practice. The present study shows how orthopantomography can be applied to identification procedures. The reproduction of ante-mortem x-ray conditions is implemented here in the production of post-mortem x-rays, using a purpose-designed radiographic tripod. For the first time, account is taken not only of the size and structure but also of the nature of the soft tissue covering of exhibits. For post-mortem preparation of these radiographs, appropriate positioning aids, a spinal column substitute and a soft tissue filter were constructed. Individual macerated jaws as well as the complete cranium can now be positioned correctly in the upright orthopantomograph (OPG). The method presented expands the spectrum of forensic radiology for the individual case and in our opinion also offers a reliable aid for victim identification in the wake of mass disasters, aircraft crashes and terrorist attacks, where a large number of bodies have to be identified under great pressure.
Cadaver↗
[Experimental and finite-element models for the assessment of mandibular deformation under mechanical loading].
Biomechanical investigations of the mandible are difficult to perform due to a variety of conditions involved. For the appropriate reconstruction of biomechanical properties, a geometrically correct body model has to be established which fits to complex in vivo conditions. The aim of our study was to evaluate the use of finite-element models (FEM) for the assessment of mandibular deformation under mechanical loading. Explanted human mandibles (n = 5) were investigated by strain gauges to determine the individual strain distribution under mechanical loading. FEM analysis based on a computed tomograph (CT) was performed and the results were matched with the test data. Our study demonstrates only minor interindividual differences in the strain distribution for each load studied. The mechanical response in terms of deformation was found to depend mainly on gross geometrical properties and to a minor extent on the various other variables. At all positions the maximum principal strain was tensile, the minimum principal strain was compressive, and the absolute strain values were correlated with the magnitude of the applied force. CT-based FEM analysis revealed the utility of mathematical models to approximate simulated data our experimental results. Hence, FEM analysis is a non-invasive tool in the prediction of biomechanical behaviour of individual mandibles and therefore may help in trauma reconstruction and treatment planning.
Biomechanical Phenomena↗
Manipulated radiographic material--capability and risk for the forensic consultant?
As interest is being increasingly focused on the digital processing of radiographs for identification of the deceased, the benefits and risks of electronic image processing are presented. With digitization of all kinds of radiographic equipment being on the increase and image processing personal computers being readily accessible, increasing quantities of manipulated radiographic material are to be expected in the future. This potential risk is meanwhile highlighted from the legal aspect.
Age Determination by Teeth↗
[Examining patients with facial skull fractures from an etiological and legal perspective].
Maxillofacial traumas are common and often associated with other injuries. From a forensic point of view, it is often necessary to relate the traumatic event to the subsequent injuries. The aim of this study was to explore the etiology of maxillofacial injuries due to objective signs and the anamnestic history of patients. In a prospective study over a 1-year period, all patients presenting with mandibular and midface fractures seeking treatment at the University Medical Center in Münster. Germany, were investigated. Demographic data, patient history, and pattern and etiology of injury were recorded, along with evaluations of the patients' descriptions. Thorough clinical and radiological investigation was performed and photographic records were taken. In our study, 122 patients, with a male to female ratio of 2:1 were included. The mean age was 30.7 +/- 13.4 years. Assault was the most common etiology (40%), followed by traffic accidents (29%) and falls (17%). Alcohol was reported to play a role in 40% of all injuries. There was no difference in the number of patients with mandibular or midface fractures. In 75%, maxillofacial fractures were associated with other injuries. The patients' descriptions of the orofacial traumas seemed to be highly. For age, anatomical location, concomitant injuries, and other signs of trauma, we found no statistical association with the underlying etiology.
Adolescent↗
A new technique for the postmortem detection of tooth-coloured dental restorations.
Identification of unknown bodies is mainly made by dental examination and comparison with accurate dental records. Therefore it is necessary to examine the jaws carefully and to locate every tooth-coloured dental restoration. Overlooking dental fillings can make positive identification impossible. The technique described prepares the natural dental hard tissue by etching with 37% phosphoric acid. In the next step an indicator colours the roughened dental tissue but not the polished restoration material. In this way all 15 tested dental restoration materials could be detected with high sensitivity.
Acrylic Resins↗
[Forensic identification value of roentgen images in determining tooth-colored dental filling materials].
UNLABELLED: Identification of unknown bodies is mainly made by dental examination and comparison with accurate dental records. Therefore it is necessary to examine the jaws carefully and to locate every tooth-coloured dental restoration. Overlooking dental fillings can make positive identification impossible. The paper presented here evaluates the usefulness of radiographs to locate tooth coloured dental restorations. RESULTS: 40% of the dental materials tested here could not be detected radiographically with a sensitivity that is demanded. A radiographic examination is not sufficient and must be supplied by other techniques.
Acrylic Resins↗
[Systematic aspects of roentgen identification--practical methods and new aids].
Radiology plays an important role in the identification of unknown corpses. Positive radiographic identification by comparison with ante-mortem films is an established technique in this setting. The value of identification depends on the ante- and post-mortem processing parameters which should be equal. A film-holder which is normally used in clinical dentistry has been modified for forensic investigation. The difficulties in placing and retaining intra-oral films in the mouths of deceased persons are minimised by the use of this holder. New equipment for film marking is described and different exposition times recording to the thickness of covering soft tissues were developed. Mistakes in the developing process are discussed. A forensic case underlines the advantages of systematic investigation.
Accidents, Aviation↗
[Is identification of badly burned cadavers impossible? Reconstruction of the burned facial skull as a basis for roentgen identification].
The described case underlines all difficulties which arise in identification procedure of totally burned human remains. The main problem is the fragility of bone and tooth fragments and the radiological screening of structures of high individual specificity. After the fire in an old beekeeping a totally burned corpse has been found. The fragments of the bones and jaws were fixed with sodium silicate immediately. The viscero-cranium was reconstructed and x-rayed in an modified orthopantomography-x-ray-equipment. The comparison of pre- and postmortem radiographs made a positive identification possible.
Burns↗