Definitions

The main areas for which a paediatric forensic skeletal survey may be required are:

1. Suspected Non-Accidental Injury (NAI) in live children.
2. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) formerly known cot death.
3. Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy/Childhood (SUDI).

The forensic NAI skeletal survey may reveal unsuspected injuries which require medical treatment. These images provide essential information to aid clinical decision-making, particularly with respect to identification of unsuspected fractures and underlying skeletal disorders.

The forensic post mortem skeletal survey of a child is routinely recommended(5) and may provide evidence to support the investigation into circumstances surrounding an unexplained death.

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