Visualization of Old Bruises in Children

  • February 27, 2019 at 2:00 pm
Ultraviolet Radiation and Forensics In forensics, ultraviolet radiation is used to enhance injuries of the skin. It has been reported that ultraviolet radiation can help visualize an old bruise and can also estimate the shape of the object that caused the bruise. For example, where bruising was faint, old and difficult to recognize, ultraviolet radiation [&hellip Read More...

Is it Neglect or Failure to Thrive? {Child/Elder Abuse}

Neglect is not a straightforward issue in medicine or law. A review of the records by a forensic medical expert may be beneficial in determining if there are underlying issues that are contributing to the child’s health status. In our practice we are most often called in on physical neglect cases to review and determine [&hellip Read More...

Bruises and Bones – When is it child abuse?

Child abuse cases are emotionally driven for everyone involved. Expert review for both sides is imperative to ensure that the facts of the case are brought to light. The healthcare providers are emotionally connected to the patient and this may affect their ability to remain unbiased. A forensic expert can review of the discovery and [&hellip Read More...

Considering abuse in SIDS

  • November 27, 2015 at 7:03 am
Findings that raise suspicion for abuse include malnutrition or neglect and injuries to the skin such as bruising, traumatic lesions, and abnormalities of the head and/or body. In the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Policy on Distinguishing SIDS from Child Abuse Fatalities, it is stated that the death of an infant may be attributed to SIDS [&hellip Read More...

SIDS: Physical/Autopsy Findings

  • November 20, 2015 at 6:58 am
Three common autopsy findings in the pathophysiology of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome are unclotted blood in the heart, intrathoracic petechiae (small red spots inside the thoracic cavity caused by bleeding), and fluid-filled heavier organs. Other findings that are consistent with SIDS include the following: Serosanguineous watery, frothy, or mucous-like drainage from the mouth or nose; Reddish-blue [&hellip Read More...