POSITIVE IDENTIFICATION BY POSTSURGICAL DEFECTS FROM UNILATERAL LAMBDOID SYNOSTECTOMY - A CASE-REPORT

The comparison of pre- and postmortem radiographs as a method of ident ification of unknown human remains is well established in the forensic and radiologic literature. Identification can be based on a single bo ny feature when there is evidence of prior surgery, trauma or unusual anatomic variation. We present a case in which a positive identificati on was made using bony changes in the skull secondary to prior surgery for correction of unilateral lambdoid craniosynostosis. The unusual r adiographic appearance of the bony defect initially raised the questio n of trauma and foul play.