%0 Journal Article
%T Fractures of the first rib in child abuse
%J Radiology
%D 1995
%A Strouse, P. J.
%A Owings, C. L.
%V 197
%N 3
%P 763-765
%X PURPOSE: To evaluate the incidence and specificity of fracture of the first rib as an indicator of child abuse and to determine a mechanism of fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All infants and young children with rib fractures who were seen at the radiology department of an academic medical center over a 2-year period were identified from the radiology data base. RESULTS: Rib fractures were attributed to child abuse in 12 of 35 children identified. Apart from a neonate with congenital osteogenesis imperfecta, only three children, all abused, had first-rib fracture, one bilaterally. Two additional children with first-rib fracture were identified from years prior to the study period. In four children, first-rib fractures were "isolated," without fractures of adjacent bones. CONCLUSION: Child abuse should be considered in cases of pediatric rib fracture, particularly fracture of the first rib. Possible mechanisms for first-rib fracture include impact force, compressive force, and shaking or acute axial load (slamming), which cause an indirect fracture.<p /><p>Language: en</p>
%G en
%I Radiological Society of North America
%@ 0033-8419
%U http://dx.doi.org/