Assessing whether fractures in young children are due to abuse or accidents
An injury plausibility assessment model for differentiating abusive from accidental fractures in young children
This study is looking for better ways to tell if broken bones in young kids, ages 0-5, are from accidents or if they might be caused by abuse, so we can help keep children safe and avoid unnecessary worries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10653078 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how to better identify whether fractures in young children are caused by abuse or accidental injuries. It focuses on children aged 0-5 years, a group particularly vulnerable to both types of injuries. The study aims to develop a model that uses various factors, including biomechanics and statistical analysis, to differentiate between abusive and accidental fractures. By improving the accuracy of these assessments, the research seeks to reduce the risk of missed abuse cases and unnecessary interventions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are young children aged 0-5 years who have sustained fractures.
Not a fit: Patients who are older than 5 years or who have not experienced any fractures may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate diagnoses of child abuse, ultimately protecting vulnerable children from further harm.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using biomechanical assessments to differentiate injury types, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pierce, Mary Clyde — Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Pierce, Mary Clyde
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.