Abstract
Fractures associated with intimate partner violence (IPV) are devastating injuries that can have lifelong physical and emotional implications. With exception to the facial region, there are very limited epidemiological reports describing the types and location of IPV-related fractures. The objective of this study is to review a national database and describe trends that are associated with IPV-related fractures. An analysis of all adult (18 years and older) was performed using the National Trauma Data Bank from 2007 through 2014. There were 1352 records identified where the patient was diagnosed with an IPVrelated fracture. Women accounted for 83% of the population and the mean age was 37.5 years. Nearly half of the population sustained fractures to the face. Variances among fracture location were observed across age groups. Facial fractures were recorded more in the younger population (18–39 years) when compared to the other age groups (40–59 years and 60+ years), p < 0.001. Alternatively, rib and femur fractures were more commonly seen among survivors aged 60 years and older when compared to the younger age groups, p < 0.001. The ability to identify and respond to survivors of IPV in the healthcare setting is critically important. While facial fractures are particularly common in the presence of IPV, they are not the only type of fractures that may be seen. In many cases healthcare professionals are the first line of defense in identifying suspected IPV cases. The findings of this paper build upon existing literature while also describing IPV-related fractures across the age spectrum.
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There were no sources of support for the work being reported. The views expressed in this paper are not necessarily those of the Arkansas Department of Health. The authors listed do not report any conflicts of interest or financial support received for this work.
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Porter, A., Montgomery, C.O., Montgomery, B.E. et al. Intimate Partner Violence-Related Fractures in the United States: an 8 Year Review. J Fam Viol 34, 601–609 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10896-018-0007-z
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10896-018-0007-z