Physical Fit Analysis in Forensic Anthropology
Its Role in Fragment Reassociation and Human Identification
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 23312497 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Yara Vieira Lemos (0000-0002-7448-7195, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP)), Camila Carrillo Furlan (Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP)), Ricardo Moreira Araújo (0000-0003-3161-4825, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas de Minas Gerais), Felippe Bevilacqua Prado (0000-0001-5636-6915, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP)), Alexandre Rodrigues Freire (0000-0002-0175-0896, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP)), Ana Claudia Rossi (0000-0002-8718-4898, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), corresponding author) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Volume | 6 |
| Issue | 3 |
| Pages | 24 |
| Publication date | 2026-07-27 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Humans (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 2673-9461 • E-ISSN: 2673-9461 |
| Publisher | MDPI AG (PUBLISHER • IT) |
| DOI | 10.3390/humans6030024 |
| OpenAlex | W7171447927 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 37 |
Physical fit analysis has become an important complementary approach in forensic anthropology, particularly in cases involving fragmented human remains, where fragment reassociation is often critical to human identification. This review examines the role of physical fit analysis in fragment reassociation and its contribution to identification in forensic contexts, including disaster victim identification. To this end, the available literature was critically reviewed, with emphasis on physical fit, fracture matching, fracture morphology, and the interpretation of skeletal discontinuities in fragmented remains. The reviewed studies indicate that physical fit analysis can support the recognition of corresponding fragments, the reconstruction of disrupted skeletal regions, and the integration of anthropological findings with other identification methods, especially in cases involving highly fragmented or commingled remains. At the same time, the literature reveals important limitations, including methodological heterogeneity, limited validation studies, and interpretive challenges related to preservation and fracture complexity. Overall, physical fit analysis represents a promising adjunct in forensic anthropology for fragment reassociation and human identification, although further standardization and validation remain necessary to strengthen its forensic applicability.
Forensic anthropology · Fragment (logic) · Identification (biology) · Interpretation (philosophy) · Standardization · Forensic and Genetic Research · Forensic Anthropology and Bioarchaeology Studies · Forensic Entomology and Diptera Studies
The role of forensic anthropology in disaster victim identification (DVI)
The Outcome of the Forensic Triage Preceding Disaster Victim Identification in the Downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17
From technical measures to moral obligations
Understanding complex fragmented assemblages of human and animal remains
Commingled and Disarticulated Human Remains
Theoretical Approaches to Analysis and Interpretation of Commingled Human Remains
Forensic Fractography of Bone
Disaster victim identification operations with fragmented, burnt, or commingled remains
| Highly cited | No |
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