Burns and Inflicted Trauma

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Inflicted Burns - Scalding Suspicion

  • Pattern: Sharp demarcation lines ("tide mark"), uniform depth. Absence of splash marks.
  • Distribution:
    • Symmetrical burns on buttocks, perineum, or extremities.
    • "Glove" or "stocking" distribution on hands/feet.
    • "Donut" pattern on buttocks (spared area where skin touches cooler tub bottom).
    • Forced immersion: Flexion sparing in popliteal, antecubital fossae, groin.
  • Depth: Often full-thickness, uniform depth due to prolonged contact.
  • History: Inconsistent or changing history, delay in seeking care.

Forced immersion scalds often show a clear upper level of the burn (water line) and sparing of skin creases that are flexed and pressed together, preventing water contact.

  • Differential: Accidental scalds (irregular margins, splash marks, variable depth, history consistent with injury).

Skeletal Trauma - Bones Don't Lie

  • High Specificity Fractures (NAI indicators):
    • Metaphyseal Corner Fractures (MCF) / Bucket Handle Fractures (Classical Metaphyseal Lesions - CML).
    • Posterior Rib Fractures (due to squeezing/shaking).
    • Scapular, Sternal, Spinous Process Fractures (high force).
  • Other Red Flags:
    • Multiple fractures in various stages of healing.
    • Any fracture in a non-ambulatory infant (e.g., femur, humerus <1 year old).
    • Complex skull fractures (e.g., depressed, diastatic, occipital, growing).
  • Investigation:
    • Skeletal survey for all suspected NAI < 2 years.
    • Repeat survey in 2 weeks (detects occult/healing fractures).
    • X-ray: Femur shaft fracture and posterior rib fractures
  • Differential Diagnosis: Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI), Rickets. History often inconsistent with injury in NAI.

⭐ Metaphyseal corner fractures (CML) are virtually pathognomonic of non-accidental injury (NAI).

Head & Abdominal Trauma - Hidden Dangers

  • Abusive Head Trauma (AHT) / Shaken Baby Syndrome:
    • Violent shaking +/- impact.
    • Triad: Subdural hematoma, retinal hemorrhages, encephalopathy.
    • Also: Posterior rib, metaphyseal fractures.
    • Signs: Irritability, lethargy, seizures, apnea.
    • ⚠️ History-injury mismatch is key.
  • Skull Fractures (Suspicious):
    • Multiple, complex, bilateral, depressed, or crossing suture lines.
  • Abdominal Trauma (Often occult):
    • 2nd leading cause of death in abuse.
    • Blunt force (punch, kick).
    • Injuries: Liver laceration (most common), pancreas, duodenal hematoma, bowel perforation.
    • Signs: Vomiting (bilious), pain, distension, shock.

    ⭐ Duodenal hematoma: specific inflicted injury; bilious vomiting, "double bubble" on X-ray. Infant brain CT/MRI: Subdural hematomaoka

Evaluation & Reporting - Spotting & Acting

  • Initial Approach: Maintain high index of suspicion. Prioritize child's immediate safety.
  • History Taking:
    • Inconsistent, vague, or changing explanations.
    • Delay in seeking medical care.
    • Mechanism of injury incompatible with developmental age.
  • Physical Examination:
    • Complete head-to-toe exam (child undressed).
    • Note patterned injuries (e.g., belt marks, cigarette burns).
    • Multiple injuries in different stages of healing.
    • 📌 TEN-4 FACES-P bruising rule for concern:
      • Torso, Ears, Neck in children < 4 years.
      • Any bruise in an infant < 4 months old.
      • Frenulum, Angle of jaw, Cheek, Eyelids, Sclera; Patterned bruises.
  • Key Investigations:
    • Skeletal survey: Mandatory for all suspected abuse cases < 2 years; repeat in 2 weeks.
    • CT/MRI head: If suspected head trauma, seizures, or altered sensorium.
    • Ophthalmology consultation: For retinal hemorrhages.
    • Coagulation profile: To rule out bleeding disorders.

⭐ Retinal hemorrhages, especially bilateral and extensive, are highly suggestive of Abusive Head Trauma (AHT) or Shaken Baby Syndrome.

  • Medico-legal Responsibilities & Reporting:
    • Mandatory reporting to Child Welfare Committee (CWC) and local police (under JJ Act & POCSO Act).
    • Detailed, objective documentation. Register as a Medico-Legal Case (MLC).
    • Involve a multidisciplinary team (pediatrician, social worker, law enforcement).

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • Patterned burns (cigarette, iron) and immersion scalds (glove/stocking, doughnut) strongly suggest inflicted trauma.
  • Scalds with sharp demarcation, uniform depth, and flexural sparing are highly suspicious for abuse.
  • Multiple fractures in varied healing stages are classic for Non-Accidental Injury (NAI).
  • Metaphyseal corner fractures and posterior rib fractures are highly specific for child abuse.
  • Abusive Head Trauma (Shaken Baby): subdural hematoma, extensive retinal hemorrhages, and encephalopathy.
  • Inconsistent history, delayed presentation, or bruises in atypical sites/non-mobile infants are major red flags_

Practice Questions: Burns and Inflicted Trauma

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Which of the following is not a differential diagnosis of non-accidental injury?

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Flashcards: Burns and Inflicted Trauma

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Metaphyseal corner fractures are a characteristic feature of _____ syndrome

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Metaphyseal corner fractures are a characteristic feature of _____ syndrome

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