Child abuse

Abstract

Child maltreatment is a significant health problem, but the caregiver who does not understand how to establish the diagnosis can easily miss it. It is important to develop a clinical framework in evaluating children with injuries suspicious for non-accidental trauma. Child maltreatment clinically presents in a variety of ways, including cutaneous injuries such as bruises and burns, fractures, head trauma, abdominal injuries, and sexual assault. If non-accidental trauma is suspected, screening for occult injuries should be undertaken, as well as considering medical conditions that can mimic trauma. This screening includes both laboratory and radiologic studies, based on the patient’s age and clinical presentation. As a healthcare provider managing acutely injured children, the pediatric surgeon is not only a mandated reporter for suspected child maltreatment but may also be asked to testify in legal proceedings.