Child physical abuse is an important cause of pediatric morbidity and mortality. Pediatricians are in a unique position to identify, diagnose, and prevent abuse. This lecture will review the medical evaluation and identification of children with common child physical abuse injuries including skin, skeletal, abdominal, and head trauma. This lecture is geared towards multi-disciplinary partners with some child abuse experience.
Learning Objectives:
Discuss the complete medical evaluation for suspected child physical abuse.
Review factors that help separate accidental and abusive bruising.
Review common patterned skin injuries.
Discuss the importance of severity, temperature, duration, and location of burns.
Describe common medical conditions confused with burns and bruising.
