How would you respond to imaging findings that raise concern for physical abuse in an infant?

Instruction: Explain the immediate safeguarding communication, the further imaging discussion, and the limits of what the images prove.

Context: A non-mobile three-month-old is brought for assessment of a painful limb. Available radiographs also show multiple healing rib fractures. The reported history does not explain these findings. There is no known bone disorder in the supplied history, and the infant has not yet had a pediatric safeguarding assessment. The family expects to leave after imaging.

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I would urgently discuss the findings with the responsible pediatric clinician and safeguarding team before the episode of care ends. I would describe the fractures, their sites, and the features supporting healing, and say that the combination is concerning for inflicted injury and requires a full assessment...

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