Incomplete Fractures of Distal Long Bones Among Children in Early Stages of Mobility: Few Concerns for Physical Child Abuse at a Single Pediatric Level I Trauma Center.

Objectives: This study aimed to describe the characteristics, reported mechanism of injury, fracture morphology, and level of physical abuse concern among children in the early stages of mobility diagnosed with an incomplete distal extremity long bone fracture.

Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed for all children aged 10 to 12 months with an incomplete fracture of a distal forearm or distal lower limb who were reportedly pulling up, cruising, or ambulating, and who were evaluated by the child abuse pediatrics team at a single pediatric level I trauma center.

Results: Of the 29 patients who met inclusion criteria, the child abuse pediatrics team had concerns about physical child abuse for 3 children.