Radiographic Imaging of Child Abuse

Imaging now includes far more than the traditional skeletal survey.

Imaging studies, including the skeletal survey, are critical in the assessment of infants and young children with evidence of inflicted injury or abuse (JW Pediatr Adolesc Med Jun 20 2007). The American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Radiology recently released a policy statement entitled “Diagnostic Imaging of Child Abuse.” Highlights of the report include:

Many digital imaging systems do not provide adequate resolution for skeletal surveys for suspected child abuse. When ordering skeletal surveys, clinicians should consult with radiologists to ensure that sufficiently high-quality images are obtained.
A skeletal survey should be performed in children younger than 2 years when abuse is suspected.
Repeating the skeletal survey 2 weeks after …

Reviewing Author

Howard Bauchner, MD

Disclosures

Grant / research supportHuman Resources and Services Administration; NIH; NIH-NHLBI; USDA; GlaxoSmithKline

Editorial boardsArchives of Disease in Childhood (Editor-in-Chief)

Howard Bauchner, MD

Disclosures

Grant / research supportHuman Resources and Services Administration; NIH; NIH-NHLBI; USDA; GlaxoSmithKline

Editorial boardsArchives of Disease in Childhood (Editor-in-Chief)