Sentinel Injuries
Definitions
Define
Sentinel injuries are medically minor injuries that are suspicious for child physical abuse.
Cite
This term was coined by Dr. Lynn Sheets at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin.
Identify
In 2013 the term referred to bruises, intraoral injuries and “other injuries,” including fractures. The "other” category now also includes subconjunctival hemorrhages.
References
Sheets et al 2013
Harper et al 2014
Lindberg et al 2015
Henry & Wood 2021