Non-accidental Skeletal Trauma

Abstract

Personnel who analyze the biological evidence of fatal child abuse such as forensic anthropologists and pathologists are called upon to assess skeletal trauma and distinguish between injuries stemming from accidental and non-accidental origins. Such analyses assist law enforcement personnel in the identification of individuals and the possible circumstances surrounding death. This chapter offers the reader an essential review of the important literature concerning skeletal evidence of child abuse. It focuses on injuries originating from physically abusive scenarios and also discusses the basic differences between intentional and accidental causes of skeletal trauma.