A case of Jack Russel Terrier scavenging: Images and three dimensional models for forensic interpretation.

Distinguishing between ante-mortem and post-mortem domestic dog injuries is fundamental in order to correctly find the cause of the death. Although fatal aggressions are chiefly perpetrated by pit bull-type dogs, small dogs are responsible for a significant share of animal bites and can cause high-degree injuries. On the other side, indoor and outdoor scavenging can hinder forensic investigation, consuming parts of the body where crucial forensic features like bruises and wounds have been inflicted. In the case we present, a man died after falling down his house stairs because of a traumatic intracranial haemorrhage. His dog, a Jack Russel Terrier, scavenged a significant portion of his facial superficial and deep tissues, suggesting to the investigators the hypothesis of a brutal aggression. In this paper, we showed how the application of advanced 3D processing and modelling techniques can give a crucial contribution to detect the injuries certainly caused by animal teeth.

The utilization of incinerated hip and knee prostheses for identification.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to test various methods of retrieving number data from hip and knee implants from cremated human remains and to validate our findings by cross referencing our results with the national joint replacement registry. METHOD: Implants were collected from the remains of individuals who had donated their bodies to science following routine planned cremation. A number of different chemical and physical methods to expose the implant numbers on cremated implants to the point that they were legible were tested. The retrieved data on the implants was referred to the Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry to identify the individuals, and the names were cross-referenced from the original list of donors. RESULTS: It was possible to retrieve sufficient data from cremated implants to track the name of the recipient of implants if they were placed following the formation of the registry. Both wet and dry paper (1200 size and without moisture), and fine grade steel wool (used in antique restoration), were successful in removing the oxidized layer from implants. With hip implants, it was discovered that the best area to retrieve clear readable information is inside the ball head or at the end of the neck as this area is protected from oxidation during incineration. CONCLUSION: Incinerated or cremated hip and knee implants may be used to assist in the identification of a decedent following careful treatment, in conjunction with national joint revision registries and company data.

Forensic odontology involvement in disaster victim identification.

Forensic odontology is one of three primary identifiers designated by Interpol to identify victims of mass casualty events. Forensic odontology is involved in all five phases-Scene, Postmortem, Antemortem, Reconciliation and Debrief. Forward planning, adequate funding, international cooperation and standardization are essential to guarantee an effective response. A Standard Operation Procedure should be utilized to maximize quality, facilitate occupation and health issues, maintain security and form a structure to the relief program. Issues that must be considered in the management of the forensic odontology component of disaster victim identification are given in "Appendix 1". Each stage of the disaster, from initial notification to debrief, is analyzed and a comprehensive checklist of actions suggested.