Bony Fractures, Physical Abuse & Rickets

Related to the question of physical abuse, it is our observation that a number of Chinese children have arrived with bony fractures. Rickets is a common diagnosis on Chinese medical forms. Our studies have confirmed that the older a Chinese child is on arrival, the greater the risk for rickets. Thus, fractures may be due either to the nutritional disorder or to abuse.. Any child who arrives with bony fractures, swelling or tenderness should be evaluated for fractures and rickets. Not only is this important in terms of the child's well-being, it is also important for the adoptive family's safety, to document that these fractures occurred prior to the child's arrival.