Radiologic Imaging Appropriateness for Forensic Anthropology

This tool provides guidance on situation-based appropriateness criteria for radiologic imaging in forensic anthropology cases. Radiologic imaging may include 2D imaging such as x-rays or fluoroscopy, as well as 3D imaging such as computed tomography (CT), cone beam CT (CBCT), or micro-CT. While forensic applications are emphasized, similar guidance may be used in non-forensic (e.g., historic, archeological, research) applications.

Situations are broadly categorized based on the condition of the remains, specifically whether the skeletal material can be directly observed (i.e., remains are skeletonized, dry bone) or whether the skeletal material cannot be directly observed (i.e., remains are associated with adhering tissue or other debris that prohibits direct examination, and where processing/maceration is not possible or not practicable). If processing is possible and practicable, it is generally recommended to document the remains first with appropriate imaging and then process to expose bone surfaces for direct examination. Situations are then sub-categorized based on anthropological examination/procedure type. This guidance is specific to imaging skeletal tissue and does not address imaging of other tissues.

This guidance is organized based in part on the American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria for clinical imaging: https://www.acr.org/Clinical-Resources/ACR-Appropriateness-Criteria