Positive Identification by a Skull with Multiple Epigenetic Traits and Abnormal Structure of the Neurocranium, Viscerocranium, and the Skeleton

• NCJ Number: 234674
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 56 Issue: 3 Dated: May 2011 Pages: 788-793
• Author(s): Josip Kuharic; Natasa Kovacic, M.D., Ph.D.; Peter Marusic, M.D., Ph.D.; Ana Marusic, M.D., Ph.D.; Vedrama Petrovecki, M.D., Ph.D.
• Date Published: May 2011
• Length: 6 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Case Study
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

During the skeletal analysis of an unidentified male war victim, the authors observed multiple wormian bones and a patent metopic suture.

Abstract

Wormian bones are small ossicles appearing within the cranial sutures in more than 40 percent of skulls, most commonly at the lambdoid suture and pterion. During the skeletal analysis of an unidentified male war victim, the authors observed multiple wormian bones and a patent metopic suture. Additionally, the right elbow was deformed, probably as a consequence of an old trauma. The skull was analyzed by cranial measurements and computerized tomography, revealing the presence of cranial deformities including hyperbrachicrania, localized reduction in hemispheral widths, increased cranial capacity, and sclerosis of the viscerocranium. Besides unique anatomical features and their anthropological value, such skeletal abnormalities also have a forensic value as the evidence to support the final identification of the victim. (Published Abstract)