BACKGROUND: Rib fractures in children under the age of 2 years have a strong correlation with non-accidental injury (NAI). Follow-up radiographs can improve detection. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the value of the follow-up chest radiograph in suspected non-accidental injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included all children less than 2 years of age who were investigated for suspected NAI in our institution between January 1998 and October 2003. Prior to January 2000, only selected patients were asked to attend for a follow-up chest radiograph. From January 2000 onwards all children were asked to reattend. RESULTS: Of 200 children included in the study, 59 (29.5%) reattended for a follow-up chest radiograph. The follow-up film provided useful additional information in 7 (12%) of the 59 children. In two children rib fractures were noted only on the follow-up chest radiograph. In a further two patients additional rib fractures were noted. Additional dating information was obtained for two patients. For one child both additional fractures and dating information were noted. CONCLUSIONS: The follow-up chest radiograph provides useful information in children with suspected NAI and it is recommended that it should be included routinely in the imaging investigations of these children.
BACKGROUND: Rib fractures in children under the age of 2 years have a strong correlation with non-accidental injury (NAI). Follow-up radiographs can improve detection. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the value of the follow-up chest radiograph in suspected non-accidental injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included all children less than 2 years of age who were investigated for suspected NAI in our institution between January 1998 and October 2003. Prior to January 2000, only selected patients were asked to attend for a follow-up chest radiograph. From January 2000 onwards all children were asked to reattend. RESULTS: Of 200 children included in the study, 59 (29.5%) reattended for a follow-up chest radiograph. The follow-up film provided useful additional information in 7 (12%) of the 59 children. In two children rib fractures were noted only on the follow-up chest radiograph. In a further two patients additional rib fractures were noted. Additional dating information was obtained for two patients. For one child both additional fractures and dating information were noted. CONCLUSIONS: The follow-up chest radiograph provides useful information in children with suspected NAI and it is recommended that it should be included routinely in the imaging investigations of these children.
Authors: P K Kleinman; K Nimkin; M R Spevak; S M Rayder; D L Madansky; Y A Shelton; M M Patterson Journal: AJR Am J Roentgenol Date: 1996-10 Impact factor: 3.959
Authors: Katherine A Barsness; Eun-Suk Cha; Denis D Bensard; Casey M Calkins; David A Partrick; Frederick M Karrer; John D Strain Journal: J Trauma Date: 2003-06
Authors: Susan C Shelmerdine; Dean Langan; John C Hutchinson; Melissa Hickson; Kerry Pawley; Joseph Suich; Liina Palm; Neil J Sebire; Angela Wade; Owen J Arthurs Journal: Lancet Child Adolesc Health Date: 2018-09-22