Bet 4: value of skeletal surveys in suspected physical abuse of children.

A short cut review was performed to assess the utility of a skeletal survey in patients with suspected non-accidental injury. Three studies including a total of 983 patients were found. The authors, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes, results and study weaknesses are tabulated. The clinical bottom line is that skeletal surveys are useful in children who are suspected to have non-accidental injury, particularly in those aged under 1 year.