Can we increase detection? A Nationwide analysis of age-related fractures in child abuse

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this study was to stratify fractures associated with child abuse in relation to the. child's age. Methods The Kids' Inpatient Database (1997–2012) was queried for all patients ( Results Over 39,000 children were admitted for child abuse, and 26% sustained fractures. Most were infants (median age 0 years [IQR 0–1]). 28% sustained multiple fractures, and 27% had skull fractures. By age, infants had the highest rate of multiple fractures (33% vs 16% 1–4 years), and the highest rate of closed skull fractures (33% vs 21% ages 1–4), while adolescents had more facial fractures (43% vs 11% ages 9–12), all p  Conclusion Age-related fracture patterns exist and may be due to changing mechanism of abuse as a child grows. These age-related fracture patterns can help aid in healthcare detection of child abuse in hopes to thwart further abuse. Type of Study. Retrospective Comparative Study. Level of Evidence. Level III.