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Research Article| Volume 18, ISSUE 2, P203-240, June 1998

The Scope of Forensic Radiology

  • B.G. Brogdon
    Correspondence
    Address reprint requests to B. G. Brogdon, MD, Department of Radiology, University of South Alabama Medical Center, 2451 Fillingim Street, Mobile, AL 36617.
    Affiliations
    From the Department of Radiology, University of South Alabama College of Medicine, and the Office of the Medical Examiner for the State of Alabama, Mobile, Alabama
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      The use of x-ray in the solution of forensic problems commenced within days of Röntgen’s discovery; indeed, most of the applications of radiology to the forensic sciences were accomplished or anticipated within the next two years. The scope of forensic radiology ranges widely and includes determination of identity, evaluation of injury and death, applications in both criminal and civil litigation and in administrative proceedings, detection of abuse, investigation of gunshot wounds, medical education and research. Newer modalities and techniques afford opportunity for the expansion of forensic radiology if problems of accessibility and cost can be resolved along with improvement in interdisciplinary cooperation and understanding.
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