University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center

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Author/s:

Hannah McDowell, Suzanne Kathleen Robinson, Megan Cooney, Ashley Stewart-Tufescu, Tracie O. Afifi

Date Added:

February 26, 2026

Journal/Publication:

Canadian Medical Association Journal

Publication Date:

February 17, 2026

URL:

Sentinel injuries and indicators of child physical abuse

Type:

Meta-analyses, Reviews, and Guidelines

Format:

Article

DOI (1):

10.1503/cmaj.251219

PMID (1):

41702620

Keywords

child abuse

physical abuse

Signs of abuse

MeSH

Child Protective Services

RPR Commentary

Sentinel indicators of child physical abuse. James W. Mold, MD, MPH

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.