• T W Gothard, D K Runyan, and J L Hadler.
• J Emerg Med. 1985 Jan 1; 3 (3): 181194181-94.

AbstractChild maltreatment continues to be one of the most common and most difficult problems seen in the emergency room. An early estimate indicated that up to 10% of children under age 6 seen in emergency departments have some form of nonaccidental injury. Recent data suggest that approximately 1% of the child population are victims of maltreatment each year. Many of these cases involve only subtle signs and have great potential to pass undetected. This article provides a review of the various forms of maltreatment, with emphasis on the key points involved in the history, physical examination, and management. The protocol for evaluating maltreatment from the North Carolina Memorial Hospital is presented. This framework will aid the physician in the crucial first step of identifying maltreatment, which, along with diligent follow-up and the assistance of the available social services, offers the best hope for further prevention.

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