Genital findings in boys suspected for sexual abuse

Int J Legal Med. 2013 Sep;127(5):967-70. doi: 10.1007/s00414-013-0878-8. Epub 2013 Jun 7.

Abstract

Injuries in the genital region of boys are mostly caused by accidents. In this study, three cases of child abuse and one case suspicious for child abuse but explainable by a congenital undiscovered malformation are presented. Injuries or findings in the genital region are especially suspicious for child abuse, including sexual abuse. Because of the possible misinterpretation and the consequences of a false confirmation of a child abuse, an interdisciplinary cooperation between pediatrics, forensic experts, and pediatric urologist should be carried out in doubtful cases.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Balanitis / diagnosis
  • Child
  • Child Abuse / diagnosis*
  • Child Abuse, Sexual / diagnosis*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Constriction, Pathologic / etiology
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Edema / etiology
  • Edema / pathology
  • Hematoma / etiology
  • Hematoma / pathology
  • Humans
  • Hypospadias / diagnosis
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Neuralgia / etiology
  • Penis / injuries*
  • Penis / pathology*
  • Physical Examination*
  • Scrotum / injuries
  • Scrotum / pathology
  • Spermatic Cord