Elder Abuse

TitleElder Abuse
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2023
AuthorsLee M, Chansakul A, Rotman JA, Rosen A
JournalRadiol Clin North Am
Volume61
Issue1
Pagination65-70
Date Published2023 Jan
ISSN1557-8275
KeywordsAged, Diagnostic Imaging, Elder Abuse, Humans, Radiologists
Abstract

Elder abuse, defined as "harm inflicted on an older person in a relationship where there is an expectation of trust, and/or when the person is targeted based on age or disability," can be challenging for clinicians to identify. Radiologists can help raise appropriate suspicion for elder abuse based on a patient's imaging. This article reviews common distributions and radiographic patterns of injury sustained in physical elder abuse. It also discusses limitations and unique challenges to the radiologic assessment of elder abuse, including issues of communication with frontline providers, and broad overlap in the appearance of abusive and accidental injuries in the setting of old age and deconditioning.

DOI10.1016/j.rcl.2022.08.001
Alternate JournalRadiol Clin North Am
PubMed ID36336392