The infant with bilateral skull fractures: Diagnostic considerations in consultation with a child abuse pediatrician

Date

2019

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Journal of Injury and Violence Research

Abstract

Bilateral skull fractures in infancy may result from accidental or abusive injury. Consultation with a child abuse pediatrician may assist with determining the likelihood of accident or abuse. Diagnostic considerations for the infant with bilateral skull fractures are reviewed, including single impact, double impact, and compression mechanisms of injury, as well as the possibility of accessory sutures as skull fracture mimics, Illustrative cases exemplify the evaluative process, including obtaining a detailed history, assessing for the presence or absence of additional physical or radiographic signs of injury, screening for psychosocial risk, and obtaining three-dimensional reconstruction of CT bone images. An understanding of plausible mechanisms of injury that can result in bilateral skull fractures in infancy can assist with making an accurate determination of likelihood of accident or abuse. (Author Abstract)

Description

Keywords

child abuse, abusive head trauma, physical abuse, signs, symptoms, Differential Diagnosis

Citation

O'Hara, Mandy A. (2019). The infant with bilateral skull fractures: Diagnostic considerations in consultation with a child abuse pediatrician. Journal of Injury and Violence Research, 11(1), 15-20.

DOI