Child Abuse Pearls
- Posterior or posteromedial rib fractures in a child should be assumed as child abuse until proven otherwise. Notify CPS or send to the ER for appropriate workup.
- Neglect is the most common form of child abuse in the U.S. Neglect > Physical abuse > sexual abuse in prevalence.
- Neglect is also the most common type of abuse in children who die as a result of abuse.
- The 4 major types of child maltreatment are neglect, physical abuse, psychological maltreatment, and sexual abuse.
- The 4 subtypes of neglect are physical, emotional, educational, and medical.
- Neglect is defined as the failure of caregivers to provide for the child’s age-appropriate needs (e.g. food, clothing, shelter, medical care, or supervision) to the degree that the child’s health, safety, and well-being are threatened with harm, even though the caregiver had the means or help was available to them to help meet the child’s needs.
- “Skeletal survey imaging is indicated for suspected abuse in children younger than two years. Imaging may be indicated for children two to five years of age if abuse is strongly suspected.” AFP 2013
Further Reading / Reference
https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/systemwide/laws-policies/statutes/define/ Last Accessed 4/8/2018
Am Fam Physician. 2014 Aug 15;90(4):255-256.
Am Fam Physician. 2013 Nov 15;88(10):669-675.
Am Fam Physician. 2007 Jan 15;75(2):221-228.