Single Bruise Characteristics Associated With Abusive Versus Accidental Injury

• 2025

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• Audrey Raut; Mary Clyde Pierce; Kim Kaczor; Doug Lorenz; Gina Bertocci; Karen Bertocci
PMID: 39961331DOI: https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2024-067932

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About

This article (and video abstract) analyzes the TEN-4-FACESp bruising clinical decision rule (BCDR) screening tool for abuse in cases where a a young child has a single bruise. It describes different features of bruises that can help doctors and caregivers figure out the cause. It concluded that even a single bruise in a BCDR-flagged area suggests increased abuse risk. While BCDR is a helpful screening tool in emergency settings, negative results should be interpreted cautiously due to possible false negatives.

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Tags

Focus Areas: Everyday Emergency; Trauma; Violence

Audiences: EMS Clinicians; Nurses; Physicians

Emergency Management Stage: Preparedness (Prevention / Protection)

Keywords: Child Abuse; Contusions; Emergency Medicine; Pediatrics; Physical Examination; Wounds and Injuries; Physical Abuse; Pediatric Emergency Medicine

Institutions: Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital; Northwestern University; University of Louisville

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