PLAIN FILM EMERGENCY RADIOLOGY OF CHILD-A BUSE - A STRATEGY

A strategy is proposed for the dedicated interpretation of possible ra diographic plain film signs that are suspicious for indicating child a buse. For each sign, the features ''PRO'' raise the question of abuse, while radio; graphic or clinical findings ''CON'' suggest an alternat e explanation. Birth trauma, oesteogenesis imperfecta, rescue trauma, and metastatic neuroblastoma are among the many entities cited. A tria d of situations may lead a radiologist to look systematically for chan ges from abuse; a triad of resolutions I may result from the search. P eriosteal reaction is the major factor in dating of fractures; physiol ogic periosteal reaction of infancy and periosteal reaction from previ ous fracture must be considered when so dating fractures.