Procedure for the systematic orientation of digitised cranial models. Design and validation. (December 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bailo, M.; Baena, S.; Marín, J.J.; Arredondo, J.M.; Auría, J.M.; Sánchez, B.; Tardío, E.; Falcón, L.
• Is Part Of: Forensic science international. Volume 257(2015)
• Page Start: 516.e1
• Page End: 516.e6
• Publication Date: 2015-12
• Subjects: Forensic anthropology population data -- Anthropology -- Frankfurt Plane -- Assisted procedure -- Cranial anatomic orientation -- Cranial 3D scanning; Medical jurisprudence -- Periodicals; Chemistry, Forensic -- Periodicals; Forensic Medicine -- Periodicals; Médecine légale -- Périodiques; Chimie légale -- Périodiques; Gerechtelijke geneeskunde; Gerechtelijke chemie; Gerechtelijke psychiatrie; Chemistry, Forensic; Medical jurisprudence; Electronic journals; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 614.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2015.09.005
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0379-0738

Abstract

Highlights: We present a procedure for orienting 3D cranial models using 3D modelling software. It achieves orientations relative to standardised anatomical planes (Frankfurt Plane). Intra/inter observer reproducibility of the procedure has been studied. It is an accurate method even for operators with little experience in anthropology. Abstract: Comparison of bony pieces requires that they are oriented systematically to ensure that homologous regions are compared. Few orientation methods are highly accurate; this is particularly true for methods applied to three-dimensional models obtained by surface scanning, a technique whose special features make it a powerful tool in forensic contexts. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate a systematic, assisted orientation method for aligning three-dimensional cranial models relative to the Frankfurt Plane, which would be produce accurate orientations independent of operator and anthropological expertise. The study sample comprised four crania of known age and sex. All the crania were scanned and reconstructed using an Eva Artec™ portable 3D surface scanner and subsequently, the position of certain characteristic landmarks were determined by three different operators using the Rhinoceros 3D surface modelling software. Intra-observer analysis showed a tendency for orientation to be more accurate when using the assisted method than when using conventional manual orientation. Inter-observer analysis showed that experienced evaluators achieve results at least as accurate if not more accurate using the assisted method than those obtained using manual orientation; while inexperienced evaluators achieved more accurate orientation using the assisted method. The method tested is a an innovative system capable of providing very precise, systematic and automatised spatial orientations of virtual cranial models relative to standardised anatomical planes independent of the operator and operator experience.