AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2005 Apr;184(4):1282-6. doi: 10.2214/ajr.184.4.01841282.

How old is this fracture? Radiologic dating of fractures in children: a systematic review.

AJR. American journal of roentgenology

Ingrid Prosser, Sabine Maguire, Sara K Harrison, Mala Mann, Jonathan R Sibert, Alison M Kemp

PMID: 15788611 DOI: 10.2214/ajr.184.4.01841282

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: We conducted a systematic review of the literature to define the evidence for radiologic dating of fractures in children in the context of child protection.

CONCLUSION: Radiologic dating of fractures is an inexact science. Most radiologists date fractures on the basis of their personal clinical experience, and the literature provides little consistent data to act as a resource. There is an urgent need for research to validate the criteria used in the radiologic dating of fractures in children younger than 5 years.

MeSH terms

• Child
• Child Abuse / diagnosis
• Child, Preschool
• Fractures, Bone / diagnostic imaging
• Fractures, Bone / pathology
• Humans
• Infant
• Infant, Newborn
• Radiography

Publication Types

• Journal Article
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
• Review
• Systematic Review