Imaging Sci Dent.  2012 Dec;42(4):213-217. 10.5624/isd.2012.42.4.213.

Uniqueness of radiographic patterns of the frontal sinus for personal identification

• Patil N
• Karjodkar
• Sontakke S
• Sansare K
• Salvi R

• KMID: 1806786
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5624/isd.2012.42.4.213

Abstract

PURPOSE
This study was performed to evaluate the uniqueness and reliability of the frontal sinuses by comparing various patterns of frontal sinus as observed on Waters' radiographs for individual identification.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Three Waters' radiographs of 100 individuals, taken on day one, after 6-8 months, and one radiograph with a slight variation in angulation, to mimic conditions out in the field or during autopsy. Three observers were randomly given radiographs from all there packets for comparisons and identification, by the method of superimposition and individual uniqueness.
RESULTS
The comparative identification by superimposition of the frontal sinus was 100% positive. The size, shape, unilateral or bilateral presence, absence, and septa were observed to be unique in each case; neither had the measurements changed over a period of time.
CONCLUSION
The need to establish a reliable, low-cost, and easily reproducible method for human identification prompted the elaboration of technical, precise, and accessible parameters, such as the evaluation of the area, asymmetry, and shape of the frontal sinus. Comparison among each of the frontal sinuses of the 100 people in the sample revealed that no two sinuses are the same, that is, the sinus is unique to each individual.

Keyword

Forensic Dentistry; Frontal Sinus; Identification

MeSH Terms

Autopsy
Forensic Anthropology
Forensic Dentistry
Frontal Sinus
Humans
Hydrazines
Hydrazines

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Markings based on Ribeiro Fde's measurement criteria6

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  Fig. 2 Waters' radiograph shows bilateral absence of the frontal sinus.

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  Fig. 3 Waters' radiograph shows the frontal sinus with no intersinus septum.

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  Fig. 4 Waters' radiograph shows unilateral presence of intra-sinus septum.

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  Fig. 5 Waters' radiographs show the patient before trauma (A) and after trauma on the follow-up radiograph (B).

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