Current problems in diagnostic radiology
-
Intentional abuse of an infant is usually apparent. External injuries such as burns, bites, and bruises, as well as the skeletal changes of fractures, frequently multiple and in various stages of healing, are obviously intentionally inflicted, and are impossible accidental injuries for the nonambulatory young infant. Similar injuries in young children may be more difficult to evaluate because of their fear of and intimidation by the person who inflicted the injury. ⋯ Some of these injuries may produce radiographic findings suggesting some form of metaphyseal or diaphyseal dysplasia. Iatrogenic injuries are frequently the result of physiologic or anatomical response to proper and lifesaving treatment. The most serious of these are found in the premature infant, who may suffer chronic lung disease or, more seriously, brain damage.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)