Forensic Aspects Of Paediatric Fractures

Fractures are a common finding in children and it is estimated that 2.1% of all children will suffer at least one fracture before the age of 16. With young children in particular, the question may arise if this is related to child abuse. The aim of this book is to help physicians involved in child abuse cases to interpret radiological findings in light of the forensic circumstances under which they occurred. The authors present up-to-date literature related to the mechanisms underlying non-accidental cases of trauma. In this book not only the radiological findings in child-abuse are discussed, but more importantly, these findings are analyzed from a forensic perspective. Careful attention is paid to evidence regarding reported trauma mechanisms and their clinical outcome; for example, can a fall from a couch result in a femoral fracture, and if not, where is the supporting evidence?

This excellently illustrated book, now in a revised and extended second edition, not only describes the radiological findings which can be found in child abuse cases but also places them in a forensic perspective – a crucial aspect often underrepresented in radiological books. The aim is to enable physicians involved in non-accidental trauma cases to interpret radiological findings in light of the forensic circumstances under which these findings have arisen. Accordingly, the book will assist in determining whether a fracture is accidental or the result of abuse. Fractures are addressed not only by anatomical location but also by trauma mechanism, with careful attention to evidence regarding the reported mechanism and the clinical outcome. Drawing on the latest literature, the authors explain whether a particular form of trauma can cause a particular injury and identify where the reader can find the supporting evidence. The book will be essential reading and a superb reference for all who are involved in the diagnosis of child abuse, including pediatricians, emergency room physicians, and radiologists. It will also be a valuable resource for legal medicine physicians, lawyers, and judges.

Of all children reported to child protective services for suspected maltreatment in any form, the percentage of substantiated cases of actual physical abuse is quite small. There are a number of dermatological or radiologically demonstrable musculoskeletal lesions that have been, or could be mistaken for, intentional physical abuse by the inexperienced or untrained observer. Child Abuse and Its Mimics in Skin and Bone illustrates the classic manifestations of physical abuse by dermatological and radiological examination as a standard against which the mimickers of physical abuse can be compared. Beginning with a historical perspective on child abuse, the book explores manifestations of superficial and musculoskeletal trauma in children. It examines conditions often mistaken for child abuse, ranging from rubella to leukemia and bowing deformities to vitamin A intoxication, as well as a plethora of dermatological conditions that can mimic signs of physical abuse. Designed for a broad spectrum of individuals who may first encounter a possibly abused child, the book presents hundreds of photos—many in color—and examples collected by the authors over their years of experience in their respective fields. Where appropriate, the authors provide pertinent historical, physical, and laboratory information in support of the diagnosis. With the combined insight of top experts in forensic radiology and dermatology, this volume enables clinicians and others confronted with cases involving these conditions to avoid a rush to judgment that could wreak havoc in a family and quite possibly delay needed treatment for an actual medical condition.

This book provides guidance to all professionals working with children who present with injuries, neglect, illness falsification and other forms of child abuse. Clinical findings and the current literature are analyzed. The author’s clinical experience is shared to assist the reader in diagnosing the cause of injury and other presentations. This text is the result of many years of experience in the UK working with children in an East London hospital (which receives over 1000 children a week through the children’s Emergency Department) and the analysis of over 400 cases for the Family and Crown Courts. Mainstream opinions, the medical literature, and examples from extensive experience on the wards and in Court are discussed. Pediatric Forensic Evidence is aimed at doctors, lawyers, the Courts, social workers, health visitors, teachers, the police and others, guiding them through the analysis of injury and when to raise concerns.

Juvenile homicide and fatal maltreatment remain serious and pervasive problems in the developed world and especially in the United States, where in 2005 some 1,500 children died from neglect and physical abuse. Alarming statistics such as this, as well as an upsurge in the media attention paid to all things forensic, underscore the pressing need for the utmost rigor in the scientific investigation of child abuse cases. This well timed volume is a response to the climate of public and press interest in such inquiries, where the forensic aspects of the casework generate an enormous amount of attention. The contributions cover a wide range of topics and explore many of the finer details of investigations into juvenile fatalities suspected of being abuse-related. The chapters reflect both the multi-disciplinary nature of such investigations, and also the need for law enforcement professionals to take a rounded, holistic approach to the casework involved. The motivational factors that lead many professionals enter this arena of investigation are, of course, personal and individual. However, at the core of their commitment and their work is a shared need for justice, plain and simple. Victim advocacy and protecting the rights of children, both living and deceased, remains a key impetus for those professionals who specialize in child abuse research. At the heart of this book is the aim of providing both a vital resource for investigators, and a purposeful voice for the young victims of abuse, unable as they are to stand up and speak for themselves.

Of all children reported to child protective services for suspected maltreatment in any form, the percentage of substantiated cases of actual physical abuse is quite small. There are a number of dermatological or radiologically demonstrable musculoskeletal lesions that have been, or could be mistaken for, intentional physical abuse by the inexperienced or untrained observer. Child Abuse and Its Mimics in Skin and Bone illustrates the classic manifestations of physical abuse by dermatological and radiological examination as a standard against which the mimickers of physical abuse can be compared. Beginning with a historical perspective on child abuse, the book explores manifestations of superficial and musculoskeletal trauma in children. It examines conditions often mistaken for child abuse, ranging from rubella to leukemia and bowing deformities to vitamin A intoxication, as well as a plethora of dermatological conditions that can mimic signs of physical abuse. Designed for a broad spectrum of individuals who may first encounter a possibly abused child, the book presents hundreds of photos—many in color—and examples collected by the authors over their years of experience in their respective fields. Where appropriate, the authors provide pertinent historical, physical, and laboratory information in support of the diagnosis. With the combined insight of top experts in forensic radiology and dermatology, this volume enables clinicians and others confronted with cases involving these conditions to avoid a rush to judgment that could wreak havoc in a family and quite possibly delay needed treatment for an actual medical condition.

Provides comprehensive coverage of everything that students and practitioners need to know about working in the field of forensic anthropology Forensic anthropology has been plagued by questions of scientific validity and rigor despite its acceptance as a section in the American Academy of Forensic Sciences nearly half a century ago. Critics have viewed it as a laboratory-based applied subfield of biological anthropology, and characterised it as emphasising methodology over theory. This book shows that these views are not only antiquated, but inadequate and inaccurate. Forensic Anthropology: Theoretical Framework and Scientific Basis introduces readers to all of the theoretical and scientific foundations of forensic anthropology — beginning with how it was influenced by the early theoretical approaches of Tyler, Morgan, Spencer and Darwin. It instructs on how modern forensic science relies on an interdisciplinary approach — with research being conducted in the fields of archaeology, physics, geology and other disciplines. This modern approach to theory in forensic anthropology is presented through the introduction and discussion of Foundational, Interpretive and Methodological theories. Sections cover: Bias and Objectivity in Forensic Anthropology Theory and Practice; The Theory and Science Behind Biological Profile and Personal Identification; Scientific Foundation for Interpretations of Antemortem, Perimortem, and Postmortem Processes; and Interdisciplinary Influences, Legal Ramifications and Future Directions. Illustrates important aspects of the theory building process and reflects methods for strengthening the scientific framework of forensic anthropology as a discipline Inspired by the “Application of Theory to Forensic Anthropology” symposium presented at the 67th annual meeting of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences Chapters written by experts in the field who were presenters at the symposium Forensic Anthropology: Theoretical Framework and Scientific Basis is ideal for university courses in anthropological science, forensic science, criminal science and forensic archaeology.