battered child syndrome

• multiple assymetrical fractures
• separation of distal epiphyses
• irregularity and fragmentation of metaphyses
• "bucket-handle" fracture
• corner fracture of elbow, knee, ankle (sudden twisting motion)
• isolated spiral fracture
• extensive periosteal reaction (subperiosteal hemorrhage)
• exuberant callus formation
• cortical hyperostosis extending to epiphyseal plate
• avulsion fracture at ligamentous insertion

• subdural hematoma (most common)
• brain atrophy (up to 100%)
• infarction (50%)
• subdural hygroma
• encephalomalacia
• porencephaly

© 2002, C.E. Kahn, Jr.
2002-04-18