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Updated: Mar 9, 2026

Scanning Skeletal Remains for Bone Mineral Density in Forensic Contexts
Published on: January 29, 2018
Imaging and reporting considerations for suspected physical abuse (non-accidental injury) in infants and young
M Paddock1, A Sprigg2, A C Offiah3
1Academic Unit of Radiology, University of Sheffield, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield S10 2JF, UK.
Insights
Recognizing skeletal signs of inflicted injury (II) in children is vital. This review covers key imaging factors and fracture patterns of the appendicular skeleton, aiding radiologists in diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Radiology
- Skeletal Radiology
- Forensic Radiology
Background:
- Inflicted injury (II) in infants and young children presents unique skeletal manifestations.
- Radiologists must differentiate II from common conditions.
- Accurate skeletal assessment is crucial for child protection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review essential imaging and reporting factors for skeletal II.
- To highlight fracture patterns indicative of II in the appendicular skeleton.
- To serve as a foundational resource for further learning on II.
Main Methods:
- Review of relevant literature on skeletal manifestations of inflicted injury.
- Focus on appendicular skeleton fractures.
- Discussion of imaging considerations and differential diagnoses.
Main Results:
- Specific fracture patterns are highly suggestive of II.
- Common differential diagnoses for these patterns are identified.
- Initial considerations for imaging and reporting II are outlined.
Conclusions:
- Early recognition of skeletal II is critical.
- Familiarity with specific fracture patterns aids diagnosis.
- This review provides essential knowledge for radiologists dealing with suspected II.
Abstract:
Recognising the skeletal manifestations of inflicted injury (II) in infants and young children is of crucial importance. There are specific fracture patterns which are highly suspicious of II in addition to common differential diagnoses with which radiologists should be familiar. Our objective is to provide a non-exhaustive review of the important factors relevant to the imaging and reporting of II as a platform for further learning. Part 1 encompasses important initial considerations and fracture patterns of the appendicular skeleton.
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