Metal Implant-A Hidden Clue to Identification-A Case Report

Identity is the recognition of individuality of a person, live or dead and is important for both legal and humanitarian reasons. In the present case, a completely charred unclaimed body was brought to the department of Forensic Medicine for medico-legal autopsy with the manner of death unknown. On autopsy, a metal implant with lot number mentioned over it was found in the right femur which led to positive identification of the human remains and the cause of death was established. With the advances in modern medicine, the use of surgically implanted devices has become increasingly common in human skeleton system. The presence of an orthopedic device is an individual characteristic which not only differentiates one set of remains with the other but also provides investigator a useful piece of information about the deceased. The case highlights the importance of meticulous autopsy and utility of multiple lot numbers of body implantable devices in cases where the identification remains obscure.