The following is a summary of the systematic review findings up to the date of our most recent literature search. If you have a specific clinical case, we strongly recommend you read all of the relevant references as cited and look for additional material published outside our search dates.
Bruising is the commonest injury in physical child abuse 1,2. Diagnostic dilemmas centre around distinguishing abusive from non-abusive bruises and determining the age of the bruise.
Review last updated in July 2012
No new studies met our inclusion criteria within the last two years, however there is an increasing body of research relating to scientific attempts to age bruises. We refer to these within ‘other useful references’.
Recent updates have highlighted the significance of petechiae and scalping in abused children, amongst other findings. Further research on patterns of bruising in disabled children is a welcome addition to the literature.
The review seeks to answer the following review questions:
References
2. Lynch A. Child abuse in the school-age population. Journal of School Health. 1975;45(3):141-148 [Pubmed citation only]