Postmortem changes - musculoskeletal and soft tissue

Musculoskeletal and soft tissue postmortem changes refer to the expected appearances of the musculoskeletal system and soft tissues on postmortem imaging.

Radiographic features

CT
  • livor mortis can be seen in the dependent soft tissues
  • hypostasis of the dependent muscles
  • increased attenuation of the femoral head due to hypostasis within the bone
  • resuscitative efforts (e.g. fractured ribs from cardiopulmonary resuscitation) may also be visible