Citation

Thomsen TK, Elle B, Thomsen JL. Forensic Sci. Int. 1997; 90(3): 223-230.

Affiliation

University Institute of Forensic Medicine, Odense, Denmark.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1997, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

9493338

Abstract

We examined the value of post-mortem radiological examination of infants who were brought in for medico-legal autopsy. Twenty children between the age of 1 month and 15 months died under the picture of SIDS. No radiological or other signs of previous child abuse were seen in our autopsy material. A fatal case of child abuse with several metaphyseal fractures is reported. Some fractures were not visible on gross examination, but could be demonstrated by radiography and histology. In our material no association between SIDS and child abuse was found. In suspected cases of child abuse, particularly rib fractures and metaphyseal fractures should be sought. We recommend that post-mortem radiography is performed in such cases. If fractures are demonstrated, they should be verified by histologic examination.

Language: en