What types of injuries are most commonly associated with child abuse?

Bruises in various stages of healing are the most commonly associated injuries with child abuse because they can indicate repeated trauma or abuse over time. The presence of bruises at different stages suggests that the child has experienced multiple incidents, which is a significant red flag for abuse.

Injuries like fractures and sprains may also be observed in abuse cases, but they are less definitive in demonstrating ongoing or repeated abuse without additional context like the child's explanation of how the injuries occurred. Similarly, while headaches and dizziness can result from various causes, they are not specific indicators of abuse and can relate to numerous medical conditions, making them less reliable in this context. Growth plate injuries, while serious, are less commonly identified as indicators of abuse compared to the clear signs indicated by bruising patterns, which often prompt further investigation into the possibility of maltreatment. Thus, bruises with varying stages of healing provide critical evidence in assessing potential child abuse cases.