SQ24C50017 - [2025] EWHC 2078 (Fam)

Fecha: 08-Jul-2025

Dr Oystein Olsen / Consultant Paediatric Radiologist

62.

Dr Olsen identifies 13 fracture injuries and details and explains those as follows:

(i)

A fracture to P’s left clavicle that could have occurred from the date of P’s birth to around 12 April 2024.

(ii)

5 rib fractures, to the left 5th-7th ribs and the right 4th and 5th ribs, probably sustained between 5 and 26 April.

(iii)

Three fractures to the backbone, that could have occurred at any point between birth and 10 May 2024.

(iv)

A fracture to the lower end of the shaft of the left radius, probably sustained between 5 April and 3 May.

(v)

A fracture of the metaphysis at the lower end of the left shin bone, probably sustained between 5 April and 3 May.

(vi)

Two fractures to the left foot, probably sustained between 5 April and 3 May.

(vii)

The fracture to the collarbone could have occurred at birth.

(viii)

The remaining fractures resulted either: (a) from several clearly traumatic events, none of which have been described by the parents; (b) from some severe underlying bone fragility that could not be identified radiologically.

(ix)

A vigorous shaking mechanism in which P was gripped by the chest could explain the rib fractures and the left ankle fracture.

(x)

The remaining fractures would have required three additional applications of excessive force, at least once for the vertebral fractures, once for the left wrist fracture, and at least once for the two left foot fractures.

(xi)

Alternatively, the rib fractures could have been caused by one distinct application of excessive force to the chest and the left ankle fracture by one distinct application of force to the left ankle.

63.

The fractures therefore resulted from multiple applications of force, unless a severe underlying condition associated with bone fragility existed.