Radiographic analysis of facial soft tissue depths from a subadult sample: An aid to forensic facial reproduction

Abstract

<p>The analysis of facial tissue depths and the application of facial reproduction techniques have been attempted during the last century with the intent to recreate the features of famous people and archaeological specimens, and more recently to identify individuals in medicolegal cases. There are however, questions surrounding the accuracy and feasibility of such attempts. A longitudinal, subadult radiographic sample is analyzed and examines correlations between tissue thicknesses, sex, age and body build. Several parents of the children are also examined. The results of this study provides data on facial tissue depths for a subadult and adult samples, thus adding to the literature. Results indicate that differences occur at several metric points along the midline of the face between males and females. A trend indicating an increase in facial tissue thickness as individuals become older was found. Furthermore, a relationship between facial tissue thickness and body build was demonstrated.</p>