skip to content
Dovepress - Open Access to Scientific and Medical Research
View our mobile site

8852

Multiple fractures in infancy: scurvy or nonaccidental injury?

Case report

(1797) Views  (652) Full article downloads

Authors: Colin R Paterson

Published Date September 2010 Volume 2010:2 Pages 45 - 48
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/ORR.S13043

Colin R Paterson
Formerly of Department of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee, Scotland, UK

Abstract: The child with unexplained fractures has a differential diagnosis that includes nonaccidental injury but also a number of bone disorders including osteogenesis imperfecta and rickets. This paper reports a 14-month-old girl who was found to have seven fractures, several hematomas and widespread sub-periosteal reactions. She was found to have biochemical evidence of vitamin C deficiency. While nonaccidental injury could not be excluded, it seemed likely that the major cause of the fractures was scurvy. It is important to consider the whole differential diagnosis in a child with unexplained fractures.

Keywords: scurvy, vitamin C deficiency, nonaccidental injury, fractures, ascorbic acid




 

Other articles by Dr Colin Paterson



Readers of this article also read:
  • Testimonials

    "You do a tremendous job!!" Ruben Restrepo, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio