Abusive spinal injury: imaging and updates

Abstract

Child physical abuse has significant morbidity and mortality in the pediatric population. There is growing evidence that abusive spinal injury has been under-recognized, changing historical perceptions that these injuries are relatively uncommon. Increased utilization of MRI has been pivotal in recognizing that most abusive spinal injuries involve the soft tissues and ligaments or manifest as intrathecal blood products, which are often undetectable by radiography or CT. Detecting spinal injury in the work-up of non-accidental trauma improves management for abused children and their siblings (defined as siblings or other household members). This review highlights key points in the imaging literature of abusive spinal injury, describes typical patterns of injury, and addresses appropriate imaging practice for work-up.

Keywords: Abusive head trauma; Abusive spinal injury; Child physical abuse; Fracture; Ligamentous injury; Magnetic resonance imaging; Radiology; Spine.