Sentinel injuries and indicators of child physical abuse

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
Type: 
Meta-analyses, Reviews, and Guidelines
Format: 
Article
DOI (1): 
10.1503/cmaj.251219
PMID (1): 
41702620

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.