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Child Abuse

Infant Fracture

05/15/2007

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.

Megan McGraw, MD

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Response by:

University of Cincinnati Robert Shapiro, MD
Professor of Clinical Pediatrics
Department of Emergency Medicine
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center
University of Cincinnati