First rib fractures in abused infants: A report of three cases

John D. Melville, James L. Lukefahr, Ewell A. Clarke

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

9 Scopus citations

Abstract

The authors describe 4 first rib fractures in 3 infants, highlighting the difficulty in detecting first rib fractures on skeletal survey. All 4 fractures were the result of physical abuse. A literature search does not find a case of first rib fracture in a healthy infant that is not the result of child abuse. The diagnosis of first rib fracture in an infant should prompt a thorough medical and social evaluation for child abuse.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)426-430
Number of pages5
JournalClinical Pediatrics
Volume51
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2012

Keywords

  • child abuse
  • infant
  • rib fracture

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health

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