The Kaiser's tooth.

The recovery of DNA from teeth is usually associated with the destruction of the evidential tooth using, for instance a special grinding mill. In some cases, however, a minimal invasive method of DNA retrieval with a high recovery is required particularly when historical material has to be investigated. A tooth attributed to the German Emperor Wilhelm II was the only source of DNA in an analysis of a possible paternity and the DNA had to be extracted without destroying the appearance of the tooth.

Post-mortem orthopantomography--an aid in screening for identification purposes.

Ante-mortem orthopantomograms may be of great value in the identification of human remains. This x-ray technique provides an overall view of the teeth and jaws and thus of numerous individual structural characteristics within a short time. Standardised post-mortem orthopantomography has previously not been feasible in the forensic practice.

[Experimental and finite-element models for the assessment of mandibular deformation under mechanical loading].

Biomechanical investigations of the mandible are difficult to perform due to a variety of conditions involved. For the appropriate reconstruction of biomechanical properties, a geometrically correct body model has to be established which fits to complex in vivo conditions. The aim of our study was to evaluate the use of finite-element models (FEM) for the assessment of mandibular deformation under mechanical loading.

Manipulated radiographic material--capability and risk for the forensic consultant?

As interest is being increasingly focused on the digital processing of radiographs for identification of the deceased, the benefits and risks of electronic image processing are presented. With digitization of all kinds of radiographic equipment being on the increase and image processing personal computers being readily accessible, increasing quantities of manipulated radiographic material are to be expected in the future. This potential risk is meanwhile highlighted from the legal aspect.

[Examining patients with facial skull fractures from an etiological and legal perspective].

Maxillofacial traumas are common and often associated with other injuries. From a forensic point of view, it is often necessary to relate the traumatic event to the subsequent injuries. The aim of this study was to explore the etiology of maxillofacial injuries due to objective signs and the anamnestic history of patients.

[Forensic identification value of roentgen images in determining tooth-colored dental filling materials].

Unlabelled: Identification of unknown bodies is mainly made by dental examination and comparison with accurate dental records. Therefore it is necessary to examine the jaws carefully and to locate every tooth-coloured dental restoration. Overlooking dental fillings can make positive identification impossible.

A new technique for the postmortem detection of tooth-coloured dental restorations.

Identification of unknown bodies is mainly made by dental examination and comparison with accurate dental records. Therefore it is necessary to examine the jaws carefully and to locate every tooth-coloured dental restoration. Overlooking dental fillings can make positive identification impossible.

[Is identification of badly burned cadavers impossible? Reconstruction of the burned facial skull as a basis for roentgen identification].

The described case underlines all difficulties which arise in identification procedure of totally burned human remains. The main problem is the fragility of bone and tooth fragments and the radiological screening of structures of high individual specificity. After the fire in an old beekeeping a totally burned corpse has been found.

[Systematic aspects of roentgen identification--practical methods and new aids].

Radiology plays an important role in the identification of unknown corpses. Positive radiographic identification by comparison with ante-mortem films is an established technique in this setting. The value of identification depends on the ante- and post-mortem processing parameters which should be equal.