Infant mandibular fractures: are you considering child abuse?
Mandibular fractures in infants are rare and difficult to detect. Causes include motor vehicle accidents, falls, and physical abuse. Historical, physical, and imaging aids to diagnose mandibular fractures and to differentiate abuse from accident are discussed. Three-dimensional computed tomographic scans are the preferred method of imaging. In addition, a thorough workup for physical abuse is needed.
Schlievert
Randall
R
Department of Pediatrics, Child Abuse Program, Mercy Children's Hospital, Toledo, OH 43608, USA. rschlievert@meduohio.edu
D002649:Child Abuse / Q000175:diagnosis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D007223:Infant; D008337:Mandibular Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed