Table 2: General pointers to child physical abuse

History
  1. Repeated "accidents"
  2. Injuries not consistent with history
  3. Histories vary in time
 
Behaviour
  1. Delay in seeking medical attention
  2. Inappropriate behaviour of the child e.g. withdrawn or attention seeking
  3. Inappropriate behaviour of the caretaker e.g. lack of concern or ignorance of circumstances of major injuries
     
Injury patterns
  1. Injuries at different stages of healing
  2. Bruises in normally protected areas of the body e.g. inner thighs
  3. Specific patterns:
   
Bruises in young babies
Subdural haemorrhages
Retinal haemorrhages
Rib fractures
Multiple injuries from trivial falls
 
Other signs
  Signs of neglect or failure to thrive