Radiographic comparison of the lumbar spine for positive identification of human remains. A case report.

A comparison of antemortem and postmortem abdominal radiographs showing the lumbar spine was used to establish a positive identification of an unknown cadaver. A positive matching of similar unique skeletal feature, including large osteophytes of the third, fourth, and fifth lumbar vertebrae, distinctive features of the spinous and transverse processes, and identical angulation of an existing right lumbar scoliosis was established. A criticism of the methods used to establish the identification is presented.