Skeletal Identification Using the Frontal Sinus Region: A Retrospective Study of 39 Cases

• NCJ Number: 195252
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 47 Issue: 2 Dated: March 2002 Pages: 318-323
• Author(s): Nigel J. Kirk; Robert E. Wood; Marc Goldstein
• Date Published: 2002
• Length: 6 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

In this study, 39 cases of skeletal identification by the use of frontal sinus comparison from the Ontario Chief Coroner's Office (Canada) were reviewed; differences between antemortem and postmortem radiographs were examined.

Abstract

All cases involved decedents older than 20 years. Three cases were rejected due to poor antemortem and postmortem film quality. One subject had no frontal sinus; thus, 35 cases were examined. Two types of radiographic film exposures were observed. The Caldwell method for views concentrated on the frontal sinus specifically, and the Waters method evaluated the maxillary sinuses. Digital pattern tracings were made of each frontal sinus on the antemortem and postmortem radiographs using Adobe Photoshop 4.0. Digital tracings were visually examined and superimposed. Superimposible antemortem and postmortem patterns were considered a "pattern match." The number of loculaterns were considered a "pattern match." The number of loculations on each side of the septum was also recorded, as was any frontal sinus septum deviation, side dominance, and pathology. Quantitative assessment of the frontal sinus was achieved by measuring the width and length of each sinus using the antemortem and postmortem radiographs. Measurements were taken by using the midpoints of the two orbits as the x-axis and a perpendicular line through the midpoint of the intra-orbital distance as the y-axis. Maximum vertical and horizontal distances were documented for each sinus. An arbitrary cut-off value of 5 mm was established. Any discrepancy between antemortem and postmortem values greater than 5 mm was classified as a "metric nonmatch." If the entire perimeter of the antemortem and postmortem sinus shadows was within 5 mm when superimposed, this was defined as a "metric match." All 35 cases provided conclusive postmortem to antemortem pattern matches. Sixteen cases also yielded metric (quantitative) matches. Duration between antemortem and postmortem radiographic examinations, age, gender, and cause of death did not affect the ability to obtain a match. 2 figures, 3 tables, and 13 references