Forensic science international
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Estimation of stature is an important parameter in identification of commingled, mutilated and skeletal remains in forensic examinations. Bilateral asymmetry is defined as the difference between the measurements of the left and right sides of the human body. While estimating stature from skeletal material as well as from body parts in forensic anthropology case work, asymmetry of the human body may result in erroneous estimates due to bilateral variations present in dimensions of the human body and bones. ⋯ Regression equations were calculated for estimation of stature from these limb dimensions using both left and right sides. The study concludes that there is a higher possibility of obtaining erroneous results while estimating stature from those body dimensions which show statistically significant bilateral asymmetry when formula developed from one side is used on the other side. Although, there seems to be a little possibility of obtaining erroneous results while estimating stature from those body dimensions which showed statistically insignificant asymmetry, it is strongly recommended that the examiner must first identify the side to which the limb part or bone belongs to, and then apply the appropriate formula derived for that particular side.
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Controversies exist over the causes of intradural hemorrhages (IDH), subdural hemorrhages (SDH) and hypoxia. SDH is a recognised finding at perinatal and pediatric autopsy. We describe the occurrence of IDH, SDH, and hypoxia in these deaths using a combined approach of post mortem magnetic resonance imaging (PM MRI), autopsy examination and histology. ⋯ IDH and SDH are frequent findings in the perinatal and pediatric autopsy. SDH was associated with a DIDH and was also frequently associated with hypoxia. Focal IDH was not identified at the PM MRI; it was associated with hypoxia (on MRI and/or on histology) in less than a quarter of cases. Our results exhibit an association between IDH, SDH and hypoxia in children dying of natural causes. The highest incidence is seen in the perinatal period.