Pitfalls of Computed Tomography 3D Reconstruction Models in Cranial Nonmetric Analysis.

Pitfalls of Computed Tomography 3D Reconstruction Models in Cranial Nonmetric Analysis. J Forensic Sci. 2020 Aug 18;: Authors: Bertoglio B, Corradin S, Cappella A, Mazzarelli D, Biehler-Gomez L, Messina C, Pozzi G, Sconfienza LM, Sardanelli F, Sforza C, De Angelis D, Cattaneo C Abstract Many studies in the literature have highlighted the utility of virtual 3D databanks as a substitute for real skeletal collections and the important application of radiological records in personal identification. However, none have investigated the accuracy of virtual material compared to skeletal remains in nonmetric variant analysis using 3D models. The present study investigates the accuracy of 20 computed tomography (CT) 3D reconstruction models compared to the real crania, focusing on the quality of the reproduction of the real crania and the possibility to detect 29 dental/cranial morphological variations in 3D images. An interobserver analysis was performed to evaluate trait identification, number, position, and shape. Results demonstrate a false bone loss in 3D models in some cranial regions, specifically the maxillary and occipital bones in 85% and 20% of the samples. Additional analyses revealed several difficulties in the detection of cranial nonmetric traits in 3D models, resulting in incorrect identification in circa 70% of the traits. In particular, pitfalls included the detection of erroneous position, error in presence/absence rates, in...
Source: Journal of Forensic Sciences - Category: Forensic Medicine Authors: Tags: J Forensic Sci Source Type: research