Novel Classification System of Rib Fractures Observed in Infants

• NCJ Number: 246043
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 58 Issue: 2 Dated: March 2013 Pages: 330-335
• Author(s): Jennifer C. Love, Ph.D.; Sharon M. Derrick, Ph.D.; Jason M. Wiersema, Ph.D.; Deborrah C. Pinto, Ph.D.; Christopher Greeley, M.D.; Marcella Donaruma-Kwoh, M.D.; Bibek Bista, M.D.
• Date Published: March 2013
• Length: 6 pages
• Grant Number(s): 5K23 HD065872-02
• Sponsoring Agency: National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical); Report (Technical Assistance)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article discusses a rib fracture classification system.

Abstract

Rib fractures are considered highly suspicious for nonaccidental injury in the pediatric clinical literature; however, a rib fracture classification system has not been developed. As an aid and impetus for rib fracture research, the researchers developed a concise schema for classifying rib fracture types and fracture location that is applicable to infants. The system defined four fracture types sternal end, buckle, transverse, and oblique and four regions of the rib posterior, posterolateral, anterolateral, and anterior. It was applied to all rib fractures observed during 85 consecutive infant autopsies. Rib fractures were found in 24 (28 percent) of the cases. A total of 158 rib fractures were identified. The proposed schema was adequate to classify 153 (97 percent) of the observed fractures. The results indicate that the classification system is sufficiently robust to classify rib fractures typically observed in infants and should be used by researchers investigating infant rib fractures. Abstract published by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons.