NetWellness Child Abuse

Infant Fracture

Robert Shapiro MD — Mon, 14 May 2007 06:05:00 EST

Question: Is it possible for a child to have recieve a humerous spiral fracture from having his arm threw the bars of portable radiator next to a door and the door open on him and twisting his body cause the fracture?

Answer: An answer to your question should not be attempted without first obtaining a good history, performing a physical examination and viewing the radiographs.

A spiral fracture of the humerus results from a torsion force or twisting motion to the arm. Spiral fractures can be accidental or inflicted. . . .

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Accidental Fracture

Robert Shapiro MD — Wed, 09 May 2007 13:05:00 EST

Question: An infant suffered a spiral fracture of the left humerus. What are the possible ways this could have been accidental?

Answer: Spiral fractures are caused by a twisting of the arm. Unfortunately, I cannot answer your question with any more specificity.

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Sexual Abuse and Fertility Issues

Robert Shapiro MD — Sun, 06 May 2007 22:05:00 EST

Question: I have a question I`ve never been able to tell anyone, even now in my adult years I still can`t. But when I was younger I was abused very badly at the age 10 and I`m now 25 and ready to start my own family but can`t perform for 2 yrs and I don`t have any health issues but the only thing I can think . . .

Answer:

Sexual abuse does not usually create physical issues with fertility. So that your physician can best provide you with care I suggest that you ask this question to him or her on your next visit.

In addition, counseling is often helpful to victims of sexual abuse. Consider speak . . .

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Spiral Fracture from Massage

Robert Shapiro MD — Mon, 30 Apr 2007 15:04:00 EST

Question: Is it possible for a child, six months old, to get spiral fractures from excessive oil massaging?

Answer: Spiral fractures are caused by twisting of an extremity.

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Spiral Fracture

Robert Shapiro MD — Tue, 13 Feb 2007 20:02:00 EST

Question: I placed my 4 month old child on my bed while I went to make her feed she rolled of the bed.As soon as I realised she had hurt her arm I took her to the hospital where they said she has a spiral fracture. They are saying that she did not get this injury due to her fall but I know she was fine before . . .

Answer:

There have been many other questions to this forum about spiral fractures. You may find some of these other questions and responses helpful to you.

No one fracture can differentiate child abuse from an accidental injury. Fractures in a young infant, such as your child, a . . .

Ask an Expert: Robert Shapiro MD, Child Abuse

Spiral Fracture From Fall

Robert Shapiro MD — Sat, 27 Jan 2007 19:01:00 EST

Question: In theory if a child who was lactose intolerant as a baby, now at the age of 2 1/2 years was running, got her right foot caught with toes facing to the right and heel to left under a metal door strip locking her right foot into a fixed position, followed by her left leg slamming into her right leg w . . .

Answer: Spiral fractures can occur accidentally, especially if the child is old enough to walk, such as the 2 � year old child you ask about. Some spiral fractures are also called Toddler's fractures. These commonly occur in children ages 1- 7 years old. The mechanism of injur . . .

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Spiral Fracture of the Femur

Robert Shapiro MD — Thu, 25 Jan 2007 16:01:00 EST

Question: Are spiral fractures of the femur of a 3 week old baby common. Parents have not explanation as to how the injury occurred?

Answer: No, fractures in 3 week old infants are uncommon. Many, if not most, fractures at this age are the result of abusive acts.

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Spiral Fracture of Tibia

Robert Shapiro MD — Wed, 10 Jan 2007 17:01:00 EST

Question: while my 21 month old son was at child minders, he was in kitchen playing on a wet lino floor with concrete underneath, slipped and fell backwards, then went n his side, could this be the case

Answer: I am sorry but I am unable to determine the cause of you son's tibia fracture. Spiral tibia fractures can occur from falls.

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Healing A Broken Arm

Robert Shapiro MD — Sun, 31 Dec 2006 18:12:00 EST

Question: When the limb [arm] of a young child is broken, simple, radial or spiral, how long should it usually in a cast?

Answer: Your question can be answered by the orthopedic surgeon who is treating the child. The time depends on the type of fracture, the child's age and an individual's healing.

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Balanitis in Children

Robert Shapiro MD — Wed, 15 Nov 2006 05:11:00 EST

Question: Is it possible for balanitis in a 9 month old boy to have the appearance of a burn?

Answer:

Balanitis is inflammation of the glans (tip) of the penis. This inflammation typically causes the skin to be reddened and swollen. Occasionally the skin is ulcerated. There are many causes of balanitis.

Burns also cause the skin to appear red and can result in blistering . . .

Ask an Expert: Robert Shapiro MD, Child Abuse