Summary:
The paper describes a group of 9 abused children, who were treated at the Department of Neurosurgery in
Pilsen. The subject matter of child abuse (physical maltreatment) is analysed on own group and on opinion
of many authors. There is delay in seeking medical care without adequate reason and trustworthy explanation
of cause of trauma (lack of, discrepant or implausible history). By clinical examination we can often
see bruises, welts and grasp marks of various age on the face, buttock and back. Intracranial traumas are
most often causes of morbidity and mortality of abused children. The subdural haematoma with or without
cerebral contusion are more frequent. Among the abused children under 6 month of age there is clear defined
subgroup of the „Shaken Baby Syndrome“. There are no visible external marks of the trauma in those
children. There are typical retinal hemorrhages and subdural hematomas arising from bridging veins in those
cases. The new entity of mechanism of injury, were the child is used as part of shielding in crossfire between
fighting parents, is mentioned.
Key words:
abused child – battered child – shaken baby syndrome – intracranial injury – inflicted head
injury – non-accidental injury.
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