Fractures Resulting From Inflicted Trauma: Assessing Injury and History Compatibility

Fractures are the second most common presentation of child abuse and may be a marker of an especially volatile and high-risk form of abusive trauma. Abuse is an escalating form of trauma: once a child sustains a fracture, regardless of intentionality, it is highly likely that further harm will occur. Up to 50% of children diagnosed with abusive trauma have healing fractures. The possibility of concomitant injuries of the brain or abdomen must...