An important marker explained

Abstract

The “classic metaphyseal lesion,” a unique corner fracture of long bones, has long been considered a specific marker of child abuse. Although a few paid defendant “experts” have attempted to challenge this concept, it has continued to be accepted by child abuse specialists. A useful series of classic metaphyseal lesions, collected from a group in Paris, has provided helpful new information on these fractures. These investigators studied 67 children with these lesions, accumulated over several years. They focused on children in whom there had been a confession by a perpetrator. The confessions described the types of forces generating the injury, as well as the typical situations in which they occurred (eg, diapering, dressing). Interestingly, classic metaphyseal lesions of the shoulder were associated with subdural hematomas, a plausible but previously unreported association. This study strengthens and adds to our understanding of these important markers of abuse. Article page 154▶ Classic Metaphyseal Lesions among Victims of AbuseThe Journal of PediatricsVol. 209PreviewTo use legal statements by perpetrators to gain new insights into the causative mechanism of classic metaphyseal lesion (CML). The CML, so called “corner fracture,” is considered a highly specific marker for abuse in infants. However, the precise correlation between CMLs and abusive head trauma is still unknown. Full-Text PDF