Importance of the comparative anatomy in Forensic Anthropology: case report

Introduction: In forensic sciences, reconstructive victim profile is a commonly used procedure to provide individual data in cases of complex human identifications. In forensic anthropology, valuable data are obtained from skeletal and dental analysis such as gender, age, ancestry, stature, and differentiation between human and non-human remains. Objective: To highlight the relevance of comparative anatomy analysis to differentiate human and non-human remains. Case report: Four bone fragments and one tooth were found on a potential crime scene, and were submitted to forensic examinations. The examinations revealed non-human anthropological remains. Additionally, the analyzed bones and tooth were classified as animal remains, specifically from a domestic dog (Canis lupus familiares). Conclusion: In this context, it is relevant to be trained and aware of the usefulness of comparative anatomy into the forensic anthropology routine in order to perform complete and accurate examinations.

Virtual autopsy in forensic sciences and its applications in the forensic odontology / A autópsia virtual nas ciências forenses e sua aplicação na Odontologia forense

Nowadays, technological advances are becoming more and more important in forensic sciences. Yet autopsy is still one of the very traditional methods. This also applies for dentalautopsies, in which visual, photographic and radiological evidences are collected. In this context, Virtual Autopsy appears as a helpful and complementary tool for dental and medical cadaveric examination. Usinghigh-tech radiological approaches, Virtual Autopsy may provide, through images, an efficient and more accurate view on the individual case. This critical review aims to update the dental professionalspresenting the first national paper with explanations on Virtual Autopsy.

Atualmente os avanços tecnológicos se fazem cada vez mais importantes nas ciências forenses. Por outro lado a autópsia ainda é uma abordagem tradicional na prática médica-odontológica, na qual evidências são coletadas por meio fotográfico e radiológico. Neste contexto, a Autópsia Virtual surge como uma ferramenta útil e complementar para o exame cadavérico. Através da alta tecnologia radiológica a Autópsia Virtual fornece uma visão eficiente e precisa do caso a ser analisado. Esta revisão crítica tem o objetivo de atualizar os Cirurgiões-dentistas apresentando o primeiro trabalho com o conteúdo voltado a Autópsia Virtual.