The tissue on the child's abdomen and upper legs fold up, preventing burning in the creases. Abuse may also be suspected when burns are pointed or deeper in the middle. Another type of burn characteristic of abuse has the shape of a recognizable object evenly burned into the victim's skin. Cigarette burns are difficult to diagnose, but when inflicted they are often multiple and a usually found on the palms or soles of the feet. There is a smearing effect, perhaps, with charring around the wound.
Rope burns appear around wrists or ankles when children are tied to beds or other structures.
Shaken Infant Syndrome Shaken Infant Syndrome is the classic result of excessive force which can cause death and permanent neurologic deficits or learning problems. The essential elements in this syndrome present an apparent diagnostic contradiction in that intracranial and intraocular hemorrhage occur in the absence of signs of external injury to the head. Shaking, using excessive force, may produce not only these injuries, but also lesions on the long bones. Internal Injuries Blunt blows to the body may cause serious internal injuries to the liver, spleen, pancreas, kidneys and other vital organs and occasionally may cause shock and result in death. Detectable surface evidence of such trauma is present only about half the time.