Maxillofacial Imaging in Image guided Virtual Autopsy and its applications in Forensic Identification

Abstract

Every human being lives to die another day and it is imminent, at few occasions forensic examination of deceased becomes a necessity.Autopsy is the primary investigation that is performed in every medico legal case. Because of mutilation technologies, traditional autopsy technique is most disturbing in terms of emotions and rituals of relatives. Forensic radiology plays an important role for identification of humans in mass disasters, criminal investigations, and evaluation of cause of death. The introduction of radiological modalities in autopsy techniques is a complementary tool for forensic identification and is known as virtual autopsy. Virtopsy is an emerging technology in the field of forensic medicine which incorporates imaging technology that relies on certain fundamental pillars which include three dimensional surface scanning 3D/CAD photogrammetry, MSCT multi slice computed tomography, MRI magnetic resonance imaging and Magnetic resonance imaging spectroscopy.Utilizing virtual autopsy for orofacial forensic examination is an emerging specialty which holds a plethora of potential for future trends in forensic science. Being a noninvasive technique, it is a rapid method which facilitates the medico legal process and aids in the delivery of justice. This review describes the role of maxillofacial imaging in imageguided virtual autopsy