Use of a Gelatin‐based Consolidant to Preserve Thermally‐Altered Skeletal Remains,. Issue 4 (8th February 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Topoleski, Jan J.; Christensen, Angi M.
• Is Part Of: Journal of forensic sciences. Volume 64:Issue 4(2019)
• Page Start: 1135
• Page End: 1138
• Publication Date: 2019-02-08
• Subjects: forensic science -- forensic anthropology -- fire scene -- recovery -- burned bone -- preservation; Medical jurisprudence -- Periodicals; Forensic sciences -- Periodicals; Forensic Medicine -- Periodicals; Gerechtelijke geneeskunde; Gerechtelijke chemie; Gerechtelijke psychiatrie; 363.2505
• DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.14019
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-1198

Abstract

Abstract: Thermally altered skeletal remains can be very fragile and fragmented and are typically further fragmented or even destroyed when handled; recovery of such remains from a scene can therefore be extremely challenging. There are few recommendations and no generally accepted practices for preserving burned bone for recovery and transport. Here, we test whether the application of a gelatin‐based consolidant at the scene can preserve thermally altered bone in the condition and relative anatomical position in which it was discovered. A solution of Knox ® brand gelatin and water was applied to burned pig mandibles using a spray bottle. Qualitative and quantitative analysis indicates that the application of the consolidant significantly decreased fragmentation as compared to untreated controls ( p < 0.05), with most of the treated mandibles remaining completely intact after recovery and transport to a secondary location. In addition to the effectiveness for preservation, the method is also easy to apply, inexpensive, and reversible.