The infant with bilateral skull fractures: diagnostic considerations in consultation with a child abuse pediatrician

Abstract

:Bilateral skull fractures in infancy may result from accidental or abusive injury. Consultation with a child abuse pediatrician may assist with determining the likelihood of accident or abuse. Diagnostic considerations for the infant with bilateral skull fractures are reviewed, including single impact, double impact, and compression mechanisms of injury, as well as the possibility of accessory sutures as skull fracture mimics. Illustrative cases exemplify the evaluative process, including obtaining a detailed history, assessing for the presence or absence of additional physical or radiographic signs of injury, screening for psychosoical risk, and obtaining three-dimensional reconstruction of CT bone images. An understanding of plausible mechanisms of injury that can result in bilateral skull fractures in infancy can assist with making an accurate determination of likelihood of accident or abuse.