Introducing standardized protocols for anthropological measurement of virtual subadult crania using computed tomography

N Lottering; D M MacGregor; Mark D Barry; M S Reynolds; L S Gregory

doi:10.1016/j.jofri.2013.11.005

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Introducing standardized protocols for anthropological measurement of virtual subadult crania using computed tomography

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Introducing standardized protocols for anthropological measurement of virtual subadult crania using computed tomography

N Lottering, D M MacGregor, Mark D Barry, M S Reynolds and L S Gregory

Journal of Forensic Radiology and Imaging, Vol.2(1), pp.34-38

2014

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jofri.2013.11.005

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Abstract

forensic anthropology

craniometrics

multi-slice computed tomography

pediatrics

cranium

Australia

Objectives: This study introduces and assesses the precision of a standardized protocol for anthropometric measurement of the juvenile cranium using three-dimensional surface rendered models, for implementation in forensic investigation or paleodemographic research. Materials and methods: A subset of multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT) DICOM datasets (n=10) of modern Australian subadults (birth-10 years) was accessed from the "Skeletal Biology and Forensic Anthropology Virtual Osteological Database" (n>1200), obtained from retrospective clinical scans taken at Brisbane children hospitals (2009-2013). The capabilities of Geomagic Design Xâ„¢ form the basis of this study; introducing standardized protocols using triangle surface mesh models to (i) ascertain linear dimensions using reference plane networks and (ii) calculate the area of complex regions of interest on the cranium. Results: The protocols described in this paper demonstrate high levels of repeatability between five observers of varying anatomical expertise and software experience. Intra- and inter-observer error was indiscernible with total technical error of measurement (TEM) values ≤0.56mm, constituting <0.33% relative error (rTEM) for linear measurements; and a TEM value of ≤12.89mm2, equating to <1.18% (rTEM) of the total area of the anterior fontanelle and contiguous sutures. Conclusions: Exploiting the advances of MSCT in routine clinical assessment, this paper assesses the application of this virtual approach to acquire highly reproducible morphometric data in a non-invasive manner for human identification and population studies in growth and development. The protocols and precision testing presented are imperative for the advancement of "virtual anthropology" into routine Australian medico-legal death investigation. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd.

Details

Title: Introducing standardized protocols for anthropological measurement of virtual subadult crania using computed tomography
Authors: N Lottering (Author) - Queensland University of Technology
D M MacGregor (Author) - Queensland University of Technology
Mark D Barry (Author) - Queensland University of Technology
M S Reynolds (Author) - Queensland University of Technology
L S Gregory (Author) - Queensland University of Technology
Publication details: Journal of Forensic Radiology and Imaging, Vol.2(1), pp.34-38
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date published: 2014
DOI: 10.1016/j.jofri.2013.11.005
ISSN: 2212-4780
Organisation Unit: University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99451287802621
Output Type: Journal article

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Web Of Science research areas: Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging