Optical and Digital Techniques for Enhancing Radiographic Anatomy for Identification of Human Remains

• NCJ Number: 164943
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 41 Issue: 6 Dated: (November 1996) Pages: 947-959
• Author(s): J J Fitzpatrick; D R Shook; B L Kaufman; S-J Wu; R J Kirschner; H MacMahon; L J Levine; W Maples; D Charletta
• Date Published: 1996
• Length: 13 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Technical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Of a total of more than 300 radiographic identifications, only one case was observed in which radiologic adjuncts were used because the antemortem radiographs were miniaturized or because anatomical landmarks could not be clearly discerned.

Abstract

The techniques used included slide projection, photographic enlargement and enhancement, digitization, digitization with computer enhancement, and commercial digitization. In another case where identification was made by comparing antemortem and postmortem film x-rays, the films were digitized as a further evaluation of a commercial system. Digital enhancement techniques enabled the identification of human remains in cases that otherwise would have been unresolvable. Several difficulties, however, were encountered; problems included digital format incompatibilities and image artifacts introduced or aggravated by the digitization process. Future improvements in digital enhancement techniques are noted. 16 references, 1 table, and 27 figures