In this slide, I have described how radiography help in the forensic study.

1. FORENSIC RADIOGRAPHY
PREPARED BY -GOUTAM SUKLABAIDYA
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR
SHARDA UNIVERSITY
DEPARTMENT OF RADIOLOGY

2. Outlines
• Definition
• History
• Modalities
• Using medical imaging in forensic radiography
• Projections
• Forensic radiology in dentistry.
• Radiographer role

3. Forensic Radiology
Definition
• Radiography is the creation of radiographs by exposing a radiographic film or
other image receptor to x-rays. It is thus an examination of the structure of
materials by non-destructive methods.
• Forensic radiography is the creation of radiographs for the purpose of assisting
with legal investigations.
• In forensic radiography radiographs must be taken before dissection.

4. History of Forensic Radiology
• Using x-ray to produce image was discovered by Wilhelm Roentgen in 1895.
• Only week later, the forensic use of x-ray was tested.
(Helped in convicting an American murder)
• Week later, the technique was first used in UK.

5. Modalities
 X-ray
 Fluoroscopy
 Nuclear Medicine
 CT
 MRI

6. X-ray use in forensic science
• Within the forensic setting, plain X-rays have been used for the purpose of -
Confirming identities
Identifying causes of death
Fractures
Evidence of nonaccidental injury in children
And locating foreign objects such as metal projectiles.
• The benefit of such techniques includes the ability to create a permanent
record

7. Fluoroscopy
• Fluoroscopy is an imaging technique that uses X-rays to obtain real-time moving images of the
interior of an object. In its primary application of medical imaging, a fluoroscope.
• allows a physician to see the internal structure and function of a patient, so that the pumping
action of the heart or the motion of swallowing, for example, can be watched.
• This technique is frequently employed in the postmortem period during the examination of
cadavers for personal artifacts, bone trauma, metal projectiles, fragments of antipersonnel
devices, or even needles where high resolution is not as important, although the latter may not
show up on fluoroscopic images.

8. NM imaging
• Nuclear medicine is a medical specialty involving the application of
radioactive substances in the diagnosis and treatment of disease.
• Nuclear medicine, in a sense, is "radiology done inside out" or "endoradiology"
because it records radiation emitting from within the body rather than
radiation that is generated by external sources like X-rays.
• Nuclear scan is done in forensic sector who died in isotope environment.
• It is show some of the isotope is taken up by the kidneys and excreted into the
bladder which should have been emptied before the scan was done

9. CT
• A CT scan also known as computed tomography scan, and formerly known as a computerized
axial tomography scan or CAT scan.
• Makes use of computer-processed combinations of many X-ray measurements taken from
different angles to produce cross-sectional (tomographic) images (virtual "slices") of specific
areas of a scanned object, allowing the user to see inside the object without cutting.
• CT imaging in postmortem cases has numerous benefits.
• It’s good for demonstrating major spinal injuries from severe trauma from a fatal car
accident.

10. MRI
• MRI scanners use strong magnetic fields, magnetic field gradients, and radio
waves to generate images of the organs in the body.
• MRI also used in forensic radiography but has a limited role to play reason of the
strong magnetic current required, high cost.
• MRI is good for looking at neurological injuries, the brain and spine.
• MRI is more actively used for looking at the cause of death of children and
stillborn babies, since congenital issues and cardiac anomalies can be seen.

11. Forensic MRI

12. Using medical imaging in forensic radiography
• Widely used in:
i. Identification
ii. Establishing cause of death

13. Identification
• To bring evidence to help confirm, determine, or eliminate the
identity of both living and dead persons.
• 1. Age
• 2. Gender
• 3. Race

14. Cause of death
• 1. Foreign bodies location
• 2. Demonstration of tracks
• 3. Demonstration of injuries or disease
• 4. Child abuse

15. Projections
• Digits-PA projection
 for bone age evaluation.
• Skull-true AP & Lat Projections
The frontal sinus & the Sella turcica can provide unique markers ID.
• Entire body (for identification)-every joint must be included
 because orthopaedic appliances or unique degenerative changes aid the ID process.

16. Forensic radiography in dentistry
• Forensic dentistry or forensic odontology is the application of dental knowledge
to those criminal and civil laws that are enforced by police agencies in a criminal
justice system.
• Forensic dentists are involved in assisting investigative agencies to identify
recovered human remains in addition to the identification of whole or
fragmented bodies.
• Forensic dentists may also be asked to assist in determining age, race,
occupation, previous dental history and socioeconomic status of unidentified
human beings.

17. • Forensic dentistry is the proper handling, examination and evaluation of dental
evidence, which will be then presented in the interest of justice.
• The evidence that may be derived from teeth is the age (in children) and
identification of the person to whom the teeth belong.
• This is done using dental records including radiographs, ante-mortem (prior to
death) and post-mortem (after death) photographs and DNA.

19. Radiographer role
• Providing optimal detail & proper visibility of the structures.
• All data & identifiers are recorded on the images like date, time & location.
• Follows all confidentiality and ethical standard’s.
• Must be prepared to work under extreme environmental condition with any type
of x-ray equipment.

20. Safety aspects
• Adhering to radiation safety protocols.
• Wear personal protective equipment when coming into contact with
any body fluids exists.
• During imaging, image receptors placed in plastic covers & wiped with
antiseptic after use.
• Complete & up-to date vaccination for personnel.

21. Conclusion
• Forensic radiology has rapidly gained importance in the field of
forensic sciences worldwide. The advent of newer radiographic
techniques have definitely made the job for the forensic dentist much
easier. However, for forensic radiology to be more effective, it should
be used in conjunction with other forensic methodologies, so that this
multidisciplinary approach can yield more accurate, less time-
consuming results at cheaper costs.

22. References
• 1. Fields of Forensic Sciences. Available from: http://www.
mtholyoke.edu/org/forensic/fields.html.
• 2.Brogdon BG. Forensic Radiology. Boston: CRC Press, LLC; 1998.
• 3. Pretty IA, Sweet D. A look at forensic dentistry – Part 1: The role of teeth in the
determination of human identity. Br Dent J 2001;190:359-66.
• 4.Hiss J. Forensic radiology. Br J Radiol 1999;72:129-33.
• 5. Romans L. Forensic Radiology. 2013. Available from: http:// www.CEwebsource.com.
• 6. Shiotani S, Kohno M, Ohashi N, et al. (2003) Dilatation of the heart on postmortem
computed tomography (PMCT): comparison with live CT. Radiat Med 21, 29–35.
• 7. Lichtenstein JE. Forensic Radiology. Ch. 26. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press; 1998. p. 579-601.
• 8. (PDF)The use of clinical CCT images in the forensic examination of closed head Injuries
(M.Bauer,S. polzin, D.patzelt) .
• 9. Wood RE, Kirk NJ, Sweet DJ. Digital dental radiographic identification in the pediatric,
mixed and permanent dentitions. J Forensic Sci 1999;44:910-6.
• 10. Kirk NJ, Wood RE, Goldstein M. Skeletal identification using FR.