APPLICATION OF FORENSIC RADIOLOGY TO LEGAL MEDICINE

Abstract

Forensic radiology is a specialty within legal medicine that applies medical imaging techniques to criminal investigations. Since its origins in the 19th century, following the discovery of X-rays, radiology has evolved and become established as a fundamental tool for body identification, trauma analysis, anthropometric estimations, and determination of the cause of death. This article presents a literature review on the applicability of forensic radiology in legal and medico-legal contexts, emphasizing its growing importance in Brazil and worldwide. The methodology consisted of selecting and analyzing eight scientific articles retrieved from PubMed and Google Scholar databases, in both Portuguese and English, within the time frame of 2020 to 2025. Inclusion and exclusion criteria ensured methodological rigor throughout the study. In the discussion, the article highlights the main applications of forensic radiology: identifying bodies in states of carbonization, advanced decomposition, or skeletonization, by comparing ante mortem and post mortem images; estimating age, sex, and height through the analysis of bone and dental structures; assessing trauma, including distinguishing between old and recent injuries; determining the cause of death, especially in cases where traditional autopsy is not feasible; and detecting projectiles and foreign objects inside the victim’s body. In Brazil, forensic radiology played a notably relevant role in the identification of victims of the Brumadinho disaster in 2019. The DVI (Disaster Victim Identification) protocol, combined with radiological exams, enabled the identification of victims through prostheses, characteristic injuries, and metallic structures, despite the challenge posed by iron ore contamination of the bodies. The article also discusses the current state of forensic radiology in Brazil, pointing to significant progress in major centers such as São Paulo, where computed tomography is routinely used in virtopsies. However, the practice remains limited in many regions due to a lack of infrastructure and technological resources. The future of the field is promising, with innovations such as 3D printing, artificial intelligence, and the integration of national databases expected to expand the reach and efficiency of forensic investigations. In conclusion, forensic radiology represents a modern and effective alternative to conventional autopsy, with the potential to significantly contribute to justice and the protection of the rights of victims and their families.