Background: rib fractures have a strong association with non accidental trauma (NAT) and severe trauma. The purposes of this study were to evaluate rib fractures in children to determine (1) the positive predictive value of a rib fracture in defining NAT and (2) the frequency of rib fractures as the only skeletal manifestation on NAT.
Methods: We revived the medical records and imaging of all children with rib fractures over a 6-year period.NAT was determined by the child Advocacy and protection team.
Results: In children younger than 3 years of age, the positive predictive value (ppv) of a rib fracture as an indicator of NAT was 95%. The positive predivtive value increased to 100% once historical and clinical circumstances excluded all other causes for rib fractures
