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Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 95-B, Issue SUPP_11 | Pages 6 - 6
1 Feb 2013
Harper A Bliss W de Gheldere A Henman P
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Aim

Fractures are the second commonest presentation of non-accidental injury (NAI) in children. Approximately one third of abused children will present to Acute Trauma Services (ATS) with fractures. Any cases of suspected child maltreatment should be referred to Safeguarding Services for follow-up, as outlined by Trust Guidelines. Our aim was to examine the referral of children with suspicious fractures to safeguarding and assess if cases with high risk of abuse are being missed by ATS.

Method

A comprehensive literature review identified commonly cited indicators of abuse. Inclusion criteria included age less than 18 months seen in A&E or Fracture Clinic with a long bone fracture. Patient notes were analysed to identify occurrence of these risk factors and findings cross-referenced with Safeguarding Services' records to verify whether high-risk patients were detected. The origin of each referral was also noted.