ABSTRACT
Physical beating is a widespread form of torture. The soft tissues bear the brunt of this form of torture and few, if any, radiological findings may be apparent upon delayed examination. In some countries, beating, caning, or lashing is used as an authorized form of punishment. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies shortly after such a legalized beating have shown massive edema and hemorrhage of soft tissue on the back over the thorax. 1 Beatings may be generalized or localized.
