David Harrison

Anthony Busuttil

Ghassan Aws

Howard Moody

Postural distortion of human bite marks on skin occurs when photographing a bite mark in a body position other than the position of the body at the time of biting. Postural distortion in the bite mark may introduce significant changes in both the shape and size of the recorded marks. As a result, the analysis of the marks may be hindered and a proper comparison between the bite mark and the causal dentition may be precluded. Therefore, a method by which postural distortion in a bite mark photographic record can be evaluated and eliminated with minimal operator subjectivity is required. This study describes the development of an objective technique for evaluating postural distortion in bite mark photographic records and for minimising postural distortion during photography of bite marks. The source for developing these techniques was provided by digitally analysing the symmetry of dental arches in a defined population including males and females (236 subjects) whose ages ranged between 20 and 30 years. The analysis resulted in quantifying a mathematical relationship between the biting edges of each homologous pair of the anterior teeth and specified reference lines. The validity of the analytical method of dental arch symmetry is discussed. The developed techniques were applied to posturally distorted (test) bite marks. The results demonstrate the validity of the developed techniques in determining postural distortion and recording correct images (shown to resemble the biters dentition) of the test bites. Suggestions for further work are proposed.

Analysis of Symmetry in the Anterior Human Dentition and Its Application in the Evaluation and Correction of Postural Distortion in the Photographic Recording of Human Bite Marks

Jean Keeling

Child abuse and suspicious child deaths are very complicated matters for clinicians, pathologists, law enforcement officials and legal professionals to investigate. Meanwhile, the evidence base for forensic pathology, especially in paediatrics, is steadily growing. In Paediatric Forensic Medicine and Pathology, two internationally acclaimed editors have brought together a first class author team who provide an up-to-date, comprehensive, and thorough review of the contemporary problems encountered in practice today. Individual chapters explore the emerging role of imaging in the diagnosis of non-accidental injury and compare recent evidence contrasting sudden infant death and SIDS; the head and neck injury chapter carefully explores the 'shaken baby syndrome' and similar patterns of injury that have recently gained widespread media attention. Special emphasis is given to interview and assessment procedures, and useful clinical forms are included throughout the book. Whether in a clinical, laboratory, or legal setting, readers dealing with forensic inquiries or who are in preparation for court will find the comprehensive background and evidence base necessary to support their investigations. Paediatric Forensic Medicine and Pathology is an invaluable resource for forensic pathologists, paediatric pathologists, and paediatricians, as well as all practitioners in the judicial and legal, criminal investigation and social services systems that have to deal with such cases.

Paediatric Forensic Medicine and Pathology, Second Edition

Jason Payne-James

William Smock

William S. Smock

This multi-author, multinational book has provided a source of information about the forensic aspects of medicine and related fields for those currently involved in the clinical and pathologic aspects of health care, forensic assessment, investigation and diagnosis for victims, assailants and others involved in police or judicial systems.

Clinical and Pathological Aspects

Forensic Medicine

Anthony Busuttil

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