NCJ Number
111207
Date Published
1987
Length
33 pages
Annotation
This paper reviews proven radiographic features that can assist in the diagnosis of physical child abuse, with attention to differential diagnosis, and it describes and assesses newer imaging modalities.
Abstract
Radiographic signs are accurate in revealing the nature of the forces producing a bone injury and the time of the injury, such that they are valuable in suggesting the need for the further investigation into possible child abuse. Injuries to tissues other than bones are also occasionally recognized radiographically. There are several conditions that can be revealed radiologically which are occasionally confused with the battered child syndrome. These include scurvy, congenital syphilis, osteogenesus imperfecta, infantile cortical hyperostosis, osteoid osteoma, and self-sustained injury. The availability of diagnostic imaging methods other than conventional radiography increases the tools that can be used to discover and evaluate physically abused children. It also introduces uncertainty about which methods to use and in what sequence. Conventional radiography may suffice to establish the diagnosis if typical lesions are present. Further examinations would be dictated by clinical signs and symptoms. 26 photographs and 90 references.