NCJ Number
226548
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 54 Issue: 2 Dated: March 2009 Pages: 270-274
Date Published
March 2009
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This analysis constitutes one unique forensic case with a known history of severe cerebral palsy (CP) that adds to the scarce literature that examines the effects of CP and other related disabilities on skeletal age and dentition.
Abstract
The analysis of the skeletal remains of the individual, who was 21-23 years old at death, produced estimates of skeletal age of 11-15 years old and estimates of dental age at approximately 16 years old. Skeletal analysis also identified dental pathologies such as chronic tooth grinding and substantial calculus deposits. The skeletal bone-age delay and dental pathologies of this individual are common clinical findings in the CP population. This one case shows how numerous symptoms and complications of CP can occur in one individual. Forensic cases that document CP in the literature are scarce, so there are few cases with which to compare this analysis; however, Rosen et al.‘s analysis of how complications of CP may be significant to determining the manner of death is an important contribution to the forensic literature on this topic. In the case examined, the Saginaw and Michigan State Police recovered human remains from a residence in October 2002. The Michigan State University Forensic Anthropology Laboratory was asked to determine the biological profile, assist with making a positive ID, and analyze the remains for evidence of trauma. The remains were completely skeletonized, and all remaining soft tissues were in an advanced decompositional state that consisted of only liquids and semisolids. It was apparent from the initial examination that the skeleton was unusual, slender, and undersized. Skeletal analysis for age estimation and dental pathologies is described in detail. 1 table, 7 figures, and 20 references