Novel technique of post mortem cranial bone reconstruction using 3D printed skull clips: Technical note

Abstract

3D printing and its application in both medicine and increasingly in areas of forensic science exists today, however, evidence of its use and application in forensic medicine has been relatively understudied. There is currently no standard method of post mortem reconstruction techniques, especially in situations requiring replacement of skull fragments after trauma or structural repair of these regions after brain retrievals. Current methods can be time consuming and have been observed to lack structure and stability during movement of the deceased following autopsy. The present study investigated the use of 3D printed clips to reconstruct the cranial vault following brain removal. The aim of this new technique is to improve the efficiency of the reconstruction method and stability of the calvarium during reconstruction and post mortem transportation. The 3D printed clips are light weight, can be attached easily and efficiently and produce no observable external evidence of their presence on the patient.