RADIOGRAPHIC IDENTIFICATION OF HUMAN REMAINS THROUGH DEFORMITIES AND ANOMALIES OF POST-CRANIAL BONES - A REPORT OF 2 CASES

Human remains can be identified radiographically by anomalies and defo rmities of the post-cranial bones when there are no old fractures and the cranium and extremities are not available. These anomalies and def ormities of the sternum, vertebrae, sacrum and innominate bone are oft en protected from damage by scavengers. We report their use to exclude a proposed identity in one case and to confirm identity in another ca se. The value and number of these criteria and their pathogenesis is d iscussed with reference to their prevalence and their expression of in ter- and intraindividual variability.