3D Bitemark Analysis in Forensic Odontology Utilizing a Smartphone Camera and Open-Source Monoscopic Photogrammetry Surface Scanning

Abstract Bitemark analysis is a challenging procedure in the field of criminal case investigation. The unique characteristics of dentition are used to find the best match between the existing patterned injury and the suspected perpetrator in bitemark identification. Bitemark analysis accuracy can be influenced by various factors, including biting pressure, tooth morphology, skin elasticity, dental cast duplication, timing, and image quality. This review article discusses the potential of a smartphone camera as an alternative method for 3D bitemark analysis. Bitemark evidence on human skin and food should be immediately recorded or duplicated to retrieve long-lasting proof, allowing for a sufficient examination period. Various studies utilizing two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) technologies have been developed to obtain an adequate bitemark analysis. 3D imaging technology provides accurate and precise analysis. However, the currently available method using an intraoral scanner (IOS) requires high-cost specialized equipment and a well-trained operator. The numerous advantages of monoscopic photogrammetry may lead to a novel method of 3D bitemark analysis in forensic odontology. Smartphone cameras and monoscopic photogrammetry methodology could lead to a novel method of 3D bitemark analysis with an efficient cost and readily available equipment.

The accuracy of linear measurements in cone beam computed tomography for assessing intrabony and furcation defects: a systematic review and meta-analysis / La precisión de las mediciones lineales en la tomografía computarizada de haz cónico para evaluar defectos intraóseos y de furcación: una revisión sistemática y un metanálisis

Objective: This study aims to assess the accuracy of the linear measurements of intrabony and/or furcation defect quantified by cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Material and Methods: A systematic search of the literature was conducted by two authors independently from the PubMed, Scopus, and EBSCO for full articles published in journals between January 2003 and March 2017. Eligible studies were assessed for quality and heterogeneity using the QUADAS-2 tool. A meta-analysis was performed to identify the accuracy of CBCT in the measurement of intrabony defects. The effect size was estimated and reported as the standardised mean difference (SMD). Results: A total of 105 titles and abstracts were screened. Of those, 11 articles met the inclusion criteria for the systematic review while only four were selected for meta-analysis. The overall effects of standardized mean difference and 95% CI was -0.03 [95% CI -0.67 to 0.60] with a x2 statistic of 0.49 with 3 degrees of freedom (p>0.05), I2= 0.01%. Conclusion: CBCT is highly accurate and reproducible regarding linear measurements for assessing intrabony defects with a weighted standardized mean difference of 0.03 mm. More randomised controlled trials are required to assess the accuracy of CBCT in assessing patients with periodontal defects.

Objetivo: Este estudio tiene como objetivo evaluar la precisión de las mediciones lineales de defectos intraóseos y/o de furcación cuantificados por tomografía computarizada de haz cónico (CBCT). Material y Métodos: Dos autores, independientemente realizaron una búsqueda sistemática de la literatura en PubMed, Scopus y EBSCO, para obtener artículos completos publicados en revistas entre Enero de 2003 y Marzo de 2017. Los estudios elegibles se evaluaron para determinar la calidad y la heterogeneidad utilizando la herramienta QUADAS-2. Se realizó un metanálisis para identificar la precisión de CBCT en la medición de defectos intraóseos. El tamaño del efecto se estimó y se informó como la diferencia de medias estandarizada (DME). Resultados: Se seleccionaron un total de 105 títulos y resúmenes. De ellos, 11 artículos cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión para la revisión sistemática, mientras que solo cuatro fueron seleccionados para el metanálisis. Los efectos generales de la diferencia de medias estandarizada y el IC del 95% fueron -0.03 [IC del 95%: -0.67 a 0.60] con una estadística X2 de 0.49 con 3 grados de libertad (p>0.05), I2= 0.01%. Conclusión: CBCT es altamente preciso y reproducible con respecto a mediciones lineales para evaluar defectos intraóseos con una diferencia de medias estandarizada ponderada de 0.03 mm. Se requieren más ensayos controlados aleatorios para evaluar la precisión de CBCT en la evaluación de pacientes con defectos periodontales.