ArticleForensic science, medicine, and pathology2026
Infrared photography for detecting soft tissue injuries in community assault deaths.
Article in Forensic science, medicine, and pathology, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
Forensic autopsies are crucial in determining the cause and mechanisms of death in community assault victims. Studies have shown that multiple blunt force injuries are the leading cause of death in community assault cases. Specifically, soft tissue hemorrhage plays a critical role in these fatal outcomes, often leading to hypovolemic shock due to extensive hemorrhage in the subcutaneous tissue. The use of Infrared (IR) photography has the potential to reduce the need for invasive procedures, such as extensive skin flaying during autopsies, while still accurately identifying the presence and extent of soft tissue injuries. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of IR photography in detecting the presence and the size of soft tissue hemorrhages in community assault victims with Fitzpatrick V-VI skin types at Tygerberg Forensic Pathology Service Mortuary in Cape Town. Standard and IR photography were performed in each case, followed by flaying of the skin of the back and buttocks. The presence and the size of soft tissue hemorrhages were documented after the flaying of the skin. These findings were compared to the number and size of subcutaneous hemorrhages that were seen with IR photography. Findings revealed that while 102 contusions were noted on the back and buttocks after flaying of the skin; IR photography successfully identified 84 of these hemorrhages. Thus, infrared imaging visualized 82.4% of the injuries. The measurement of the size of the subcutaneous hemorrhages of the back and the buttocks with IR photography compared to measurements taken after flaying of the skin revealed an excellent agreement (CCC = 0.81 and 0.86, respectively). This study demonstrates that infrared photography is a valuable adjunct in detecting soft tissue hemorrhage in individuals with Fitzpatrick skin types V to VI. We have learned that IR can enhance pattern recognition in bruises It cannot, however, replace skin flaying as extensive areas of subcutaneous hemorrhages remain hidden with intact skin, even with IR photography.
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