Reconstruction and physical fit analysis of fragmented skeletal remains using 3D imaging and printing

Physical fit analysis (PFA) entails physically fitting fragmented evidence together to determine shared origin. PFA can be challenging to conduct with bone fragments particularly when fragile, sharp, or embedded in other materials. Three-dimensional (3D) imaging and printing techniques can circumven...

Full description

Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Amber J. Collings, Katherine Brown
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2020-12-01
Series:Forensic Science International: Reports
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2665910720300633
Description
Summary:Physical fit analysis (PFA) entails physically fitting fragmented evidence together to determine shared origin. PFA can be challenging to conduct with bone fragments particularly when fragile, sharp, or embedded in other materials. Three-dimensional (3D) imaging and printing techniques can circumvent these challenges. We compare two different 3D imaging techniques, micro computed tomography (μCT) and structured light scanning (SLS). By generating virtual 3D models and prints of burned human bone fragments, we test the suitability of these imaging techniques and subsequent 3D printing for PFA. We found 3D imaging and printing allowed for effective PFA without excessively handling the original fragments.
ISSN:2665-9107