Personal identification in forensic science using uniqueness of radiographic image of frontal sinus

Abstract

Frontal sinus pattern matching is a useful means of forensic identification.  Forensic scientists have benefited from the variations of normal anatomical structures in radiographs. Today, radiographs are a common diagnostic tool, widely used in    dental practices,   hospitals   and   health services. The storage facilities also exist in most health institutions which keep radiographs over long periods of time. The frontal sinus pattern matching technique can be applied in cases where ante mortem frontal sinus x-rays are available and dental matching cannot be completed. This method may also be used to corroborate identifications based on other techniques such as fingerprints, teeth, or circumstantial evidence. So the present study was carried out to assess utility of radiographic image of frontal sinus for personal identification in studied population. Results concluded that radiographic image of frontal sinus is unique for each individual. So, it can be used for personal identification in forensic science when other methods have failed.