Anatomical Placement of the Human Eyeball in the OrbitValidation Using CT Scans of Living Adults and Prediction for Facial Approximation

• NCJ Number: 242052
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 57 Issue: 5 Dated: September 2012 Pages: 1271-1275
• Author(s): Pierre Guyomarc'h, M.Sc.; Bruno Dutailly, M.Sc.; Christine Couture, Ph.D.; Helene Coqueugniot, Ph.D.
• Date Published: September 2012
• Length: 5 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Technical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This paper discusses accuracy of forensic facial approximation and superimposition techniques relying on the knowledge of anatomical correlations between soft and hard tissues.

Abstract

Accuracy of forensic facial approximation and superimposition techniques relies on the knowledge of anatomical correlations between soft and hard tissues. Recent studies by Stephan and collaborators (6,8,10) reviewed traditional guidelines leading to a wrong placement of the eyeball in the orbit. As those statements are based on a small cadaver sample, we propose a validation of these findings on a large database (n = 375) of living people. Computed tomography scans of known age and sex subjects were used to collect landmarks on three-dimensional surfaces and DICOM with TIVMI. Results confirmed a more superior and lateral position of the eyeball relatively to the orbital rims. Orbital height and breadth were used to compute regression formulae and proportional placement using percentages to find the most probable position of the eyeball in the orbit. A size-related sexual dimorphism was present but did not impact on the prediction accuracy. Abstract published by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons.