Imaging of Non-accidental Trauma

Imaging of Non-accidental Trauma

Imaging of Non-accidental Trauma

On this page

Imaging of Non-accidental Trauma - Unmasking Abuse

  • Definition: Non-Accidental Injury (NAI) includes child abuse and neglect.
  • Epidemiology: Most common in children <1-2 years. Skeletal survey for those <2 years.
  • Clinical Red Flags:
    • Inconsistent history with injury.
    • Delay in seeking care.
    • 📌 TEN-4 FACES Rule: Bruising on Torso, Ears, Neck (TEN) in child ≤4 years; OR any bruise on infant ≤4 months.
    • Specific burn patterns (e.g., immersion, stocking/glove).

⭐ Discrepancy between history and injury severity is a major red flag. Specificity of fractures in non-accidental traumaoka

Imaging of Non-accidental Trauma - Osseous Omens

  • Indications for Skeletal Survey (SS):
    • Suspected Non-Accidental Trauma (NAT) in children <24 months.
    • Siblings of abused children.
    • Unexplained fractures, bruising, or severe injuries in young children.
  • Technique:
    • Dedicated multi-view radiographic skeletal survey (AP & lateral views of long bones, AP/PA & lateral views of chest, skull, spine, pelvis).
    • "Babygram" (single whole-body view) discouraged due to ↓ sensitivity.
    • Follow-up SS in ~2 weeks to detect initially occult fractures.
  • High-Specificity Fractures (Hallmarks of NAT):
    • Classic Metaphyseal Lesions (CMLs) (from shearing/tensile forces):
      • Corner fractures.
      • Bucket-handle fractures.
    • Posterior rib fractures (from AP chest compression; highly specific).
    • Scapular fractures (acromion, glenoid, body).
    • Sternal fractures.
    • Spinous process fractures.

    ⭐ Classic Metaphyseal Lesions (CMLs) are virtually pathognomonic for NAT.

  • Fracture Dating:
    • Radiographic dating is imprecise; use with caution.
    • Presence of multiple fractures in different stages of healing is highly suggestive of NAT.

Imaging of Non-accidental Trauma - Hidden Harms

  • Head: Critical for detecting inflicted injuries; CT initially, MRI for detail/dating.
    • Subdural Hematoma (SDH): Common; interhemispheric, convexity, posterior fossa.
    • Hypoxic-Ischemic Injury (HII): Often associated, especially with SDH.
    • Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI): From shear forces; MRI superior.
    • Retinal hemorrhages: Strong indicator (ophthalmology exam vital).

    ⭐ Interhemispheric subdural hematomas, especially with associated hypoxic-ischemic injury, are highly suggestive of abusive head trauma. Infant CT: Abusive head trauma with subdural hematoma

  • Thorax: Injuries often occult; high specificity for NAT.
    • Rib fractures: Especially posterior, multiple, varied healing stages.
    • Lung contusions or lacerations.
  • Abdomen: Second leading cause of NAT fatality. CT with IV contrast is crucial.
    • Solid organ injury: Liver (most common), spleen, pancreas (lacerations, hematomas).
    • Hollow viscus injury: Duodenal hematoma (classic), bowel perforation, mesenteric tears.

Imaging of Non-accidental Trauma - Diagnostic Duty

  • Crucial Differentials (Mimics of NAT):
    • Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI): Blue sclera, multiple #, wormian bones. Note bone density.
    • Rickets: Metaphyseal cupping/fraying, widened physes, osteopenia.
    • Birth Trauma: Clavicle, humerus, skull # (parietal, linear). Often isolated.
    • Normal Variants: Physiological periostitis (symmetric), metaphyseal spurs.
  • Radiologist's Reporting Duty:
    • Objective description of findings; avoid accusatory language.
    • Mention limitations (e.g., incomplete survey).
    • Recommend follow-up imaging, MDT/CPS communication. Specificity of fractures in non-accidental trauma

⭐ Classic Metaphyseal Lesions (CMLs) and posterior rib fractures are highly specific for NAT, rarely seen in Osteogenesis Imperfecta.

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • Skeletal survey is the primary imaging modality for suspected NAT in infants < 2 years.
  • Metaphyseal corner fractures (bucket-handle fractures) are highly specific for NAT.
  • Posterior rib fractures, especially multiple and in different healing stages, are highly suspicious.
  • Complex skull fractures (e.g., depressed, bilateral, crossing sutures) raise significant concern.
  • Subdural hematomas, particularly of varying ages, are common intracranial findings.
  • CT head is crucial for acute intracranial injuries; MRI for subacute/chronic findings and hypoxic injury.
  • A repeat skeletal survey in approximately 2 weeks can reveal initially occult fractures an_d monitor healing_

Practice Questions: Imaging of Non-accidental Trauma

Test your understanding with these related questions

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

1 of 5

Flashcards: Imaging of Non-accidental Trauma

1/9

extended FAST incorporates _____ and right thoracic views to assess for pneumothorax and haemothorax.

TAP TO REVEAL ANSWER

extended FAST incorporates _____ and right thoracic views to assess for pneumothorax and haemothorax.

Left

browseSpaceflip

Enjoying this lesson?

Get full access to all lessons, practice questions, and more.

Start Your Free Trial