The Etiology and Significance of Fractures in Infants and Young Children: a Critical Multidisciplinary Review

Overview

Journal Pediatr Radiol

Specialty Pediatrics

Date 2016 Feb 18

PMID 26886911

Citations 20

Authors

Sabah Servaes

Stephen D Brown

Arabinda K Choudhary

Cindy W Christian

Stephen L Done

Laura L Hayes

Michael A Levine

Joelle A Moreno

Vincent J Palusci

Richard M Shore

Thomas L Slovis

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

This paper addresses significant misconceptions regarding the etiology of fractures in infants and young children in cases of suspected child abuse. This consensus statement, supported by the Child Abuse Committee and endorsed by the Board of Directors of the Society for Pediatric Radiology, synthesizes the relevant scientific data distinguishing clinical, radiologic and laboratory findings of metabolic disease from findings in abusive injury. This paper discusses medically established epidemiology and etiologies of childhood fractures in infants and young children. The authors also review the body of evidence on the role of vitamin D in bone health and the relationship between vitamin D and fractures. Finally, the authors discuss how courts should properly assess, use, and limit medical evidence and medical opinion testimony in criminal and civil child abuse cases to accomplish optimal care and protection of the children in these cases.

Citing Articles

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