Paediatric bed fall computer simulation model development and validation.

Falls from beds and other household furniture are common scenarios stated to conceal child abuse. Knowledge of the biomechanics associated with short-distance falls may aid clinicians in distinguishing between abusive and accidental injuries. Computer simulation is a useful tool to investigate injury-producing events and to study the effect of altering event parameters on injury risk.

Pediatric short-distance household falls: biomechanics and associated injury severity.

Objectives: Short-distance household falls are a common occurrence in young children, but are also a common false history given by caretakers to conceal abusive trauma. The purpose of this study was to determine the severity of injuries that result from accidental short-distance household falls in children, and to investigate the association of fall environment and biomechanical measures with injury outcomes.

Methods: Children aged 0-4 years who presented to the Emergency Department with a history of a short furniture fall were included in the study.

Assessment of head injury risk associated with feet-first free falls in 12-month-old children using an anthropomorphic test device.

Background: Short distance falls are a common false history provided in cases of child abuse. Falls are also a common occurrence in ambulating young children. The purpose of this study was to determine the risk of head injury in short distance feet-first free falls for a 12-month-old child.