Abstract
Background:Rib fractures have a strong association with nonaccidental trauma (NAT) and severe trauma. The purposes of this study were to evaluate rib fractures in children to determine (1) the positive predictive value of a rib fracture in defining NAT and (2) the frequency of rib fractures as the only skeletal manifestation of NAT.Methods:We reviewed the medical records and imaging of all children with rib fractures over a 6-year period. NAT was determined by the Child Advocacy and Protection team.Results:In children younger than 3 years of age, the positive predictive value (PPV) of a rib fracture as an indicator of NAT was 95%. The positive predictive value increased to 100% once historical and clinical circumstance excluded all other causes for rib fractures.Conclusion:In this study, rib fracture(s) were the only skeletal manifestation of NAT in 29% of the children.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1107-1110 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Journal of Trauma - Injury, Infection and Critical Care |
Volume | 54 |
Issue number | 6 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jun 2003 |
Keywords
- Children
- Nonaccidental trauma
- Rib fractures