Imaging patterns of lower extremity injuries in victims of intimate partner violence (IPV)

Abstract

Purpose: To describe the pattern and distribution of lower extremity injuries in victims of intimate partner violence (IPV).

Materials and methods: A retrospective radiological review of 688 patients reporting IPV to our institution's violence intervention and prevention program between January 2013 and June 2018 identified 88 patients with 154 lower extremity injuries. All lower extremity injuries visible on radiological studies were analyzed. Concomitant, recurrent, and associated injuries were also collected, in addition to the demographic data.

Results: The injuries consisted of 103 fractures, 46 soft tissue injuries, and 5 dislocations. The foot was the most common site of injury representing 39% (60/154) of total injuries, 48% (49/103) of fractures, 17% (8/46) of soft tissue injuries, and 3 dislocations. The ankle was the second most common site of injury representing 30% (47/154) of total injuries, 20% (21/103) of fractures, and 57% (26/46) of soft tissue injuries. Recurrent injuries of the lower extremity were seen in 30% (26/88) of victims who had 74 recurrent injuries. The most common sites of recurrent injury were the foot and ankle, representing 72% (53/74) of recurrent injuries.

Conclusion: Recurrent injuries of the foot and ankle, synchronous craniofacial injuries, and upper extremity injuries in young women (<35 years) should prompt radiologists to consider IPV.

Keywords: Domestic abuse; Domestic violence; Intimate partner violence; Lower extremity fractures; Lower extremity injuries; Lower limb fractures; Lower limb injuries.