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Published in: Pediatric Radiology 4/2014

01-12-2014 | Special Issue: Abusive Head Trauma

Imaging of skeletal injuries associated with abusive head trauma

Authors: Ignasi Barber, Paul K. Kleinman

Published in: Pediatric Radiology | Special Issue 4/2014

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Abstract

Skeletal injuries are commonly encountered in infants and young children with abusive head trauma. Although certain patterns of intracranial injury suggest abuse, none are diagnostic. Therefore demonstration of associated unsuspected skeletal injuries has important implications, particularly when highly specific fractures are present. Skull fractures are commonly associated with intracranial injury, but no fracture pattern is indicative of physical abuse. Other skeletal injuries including classic metaphyseal lesions and rib, spine and scapular fractures are strong predictors of abusive head trauma in infants with intracranial injury. It is mandatory to perform rigorous skeletal surveys in infants and young children with clinical and neuroimaging findings concerning for abusive head trauma.
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Metadata
Title
Imaging of skeletal injuries associated with abusive head trauma
Authors
Ignasi Barber
Paul K. Kleinman
Publication date
01-12-2014
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
Pediatric Radiology / Issue Special Issue 4/2014
Print ISSN: 0301-0449
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1998
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00247-014-3099-5

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