Selective Skeletal Surveys for Infants With Skull Fractures: Examining the Rates of Return to Medical Care for Concern of Physical Abuse

This study aimed to describe which infants with a skull fracture (1) receive a child abuse pediatrician (CAP) consultation, (2) receive a skeletal survey, and (3) re-present to medical care before age 3 years with concerns for physical abuse. Methods We conducted a retrospective chart review of infants younger than 12 months who presented to the emergency department between January 1, 2005, and December 30, 2015, with a skull fracture. Medical records were reviewed for the skull fracture presentation and for all future medical evaluations at the same institution with concerns for physical abuse until 3 years of age. Results Of 366 infants with a skull fracture, a CAP was contacted for 272 (74%) and 76 (20.8%) infants who received a skeletal survey. Factors associated with skeletal survey acquisition included younger age (
Source: Pediatric Emergency Care - Category: Emergency Medicine Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research