Sentinel injuries and indicators of child physical abuse
Date Added:
February 26, 2026
Journal/Publication:
Canadian Medical Association Journal
Publication Date:
February 17, 2026
Type:
Meta-analyses, Reviews, and Guidelines
Format:
Article
DOI (1):
10.1503/cmaj.251219
PMID (1):
41702620
Abstract
Signs of physical abuse in pre-cruising infants are often overlooked
Sentinel injuries are minor, unexplained injuries in pre-cruising infants that are often the first indication of physical abuse, which may precede more serious harm. In one study, more than 25% of abused infants had had a previous sentinel injury, and nearly half of the injuries were known to providers but went unaddressed.
RPR Commentary
Sentinel indicators of child physical abuse. James W. Mold, MD, MPH