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Pediatric Radiology

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01-01-2015 | Original Article

The yield of high-detail radiographic skeletal surveys in suspected infant abuse

Authors: Ignasi Barber, Jeannette M. Perez-Rossello, Celeste R. Wilson, Paul K. Kleinman

Published in: Pediatric Radiology | Issue 1/2015

Abstract

Background

Skeletal surveys are routinely performed in cases of suspected child abuse, but there are limited data regarding the yield of high-detail skeletal surveys in infants.

Objective

To determine the diagnostic yield of high-detail radiographic skeletal surveys in suspected infant abuse.

Material and methods

We reviewed the high-detail American College of Radiology standardized skeletal surveys performed for suspected abuse in 567 infants (median: 4.4 months, SD 3.47; range: 4 days-12 months) at a large urban children’s hospital between 2005 and 2013. Skeletal survey images, radiology reports and medical records were reviewed. A skeletal survey was considered positive when it showed at least one unsuspected fracture.

Results

In 313 of 567 infants (55%), 1,029 definite fractures were found. Twenty-one percent (119/567) of the patients had a positive skeletal survey with a total of 789 (77%) unsuspected fractures. Long-bone fractures were the most common injuries, present in 145 children (26%). The skull was the site of fracture in 138 infants (24%); rib cage in 77 (14%), clavicle in 24 (4.2%) and uncommon fractures (including spine, scapula, hands and feet and pelvis) were noted in 26 infants (4.6%). Of the 425 infants with neuroimaging, 154 (36%) had intracranial injury. No significant correlation between positive skeletal survey and associated intracranial injury was found. Scapular fractures and complex skull fractures showed a statistically significant correlation with intracranial injury (P = 0.029, P = 0.007, respectively).

Conclusion

Previously unsuspected fractures are noted on skeletal surveys in 20% of cases of suspected infant abuse. These data may be helpful in the design and optimization of global skeletal imaging in this vulnerable population.

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Title: The yield of high-detail radiographic skeletal surveys in suspected infant abuse
Authors: Ignasi Barber
Jeannette M. Perez-Rossello
Celeste R. Wilson
Paul K. Kleinman
Publication date: 01-01-2015
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Pediatric Radiology / Issue 1/2015
Print ISSN: 0301-0449
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1998
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00247-014-3064-3

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

The yield of high-detail radiographic skeletal surveys in suspected infant abuse

Abstract

Background

Objective

Material and methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Objective

Material and methods

Results

Conclusion

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