Classic reference text on Child Abuse & Neglect Aug 19, 2002 (3 of 3 found this helpful)
On the brink of the 40th year of the formal recognition of child abuse and neglect, editors Robert Reece and Stephen Ludwig have brought to the field a textbook that embodies the critical elements of the scientific foundations of current medical understanding of maltreatment. Originally primarily a social action issue, the field of child abuse and neglect has matured into a medical subspecialty, built on a solid foundation of scientific study. Dr. Reece's first edition, published in 1994, represented the state of the art at that time; this second edition sets a new standard as the preeminent textbook in the field. Incorporating the latest in clinical and research knowledge in the field, this exhaustive edition is almost 25 % larger (590 pages) than the first, has 21 chapters, 33 contributors, 265 illustrations and 2660 references. The contributors have written in a style that nicely balances the academic and clinical aspects of our understanding of the diagnosis and treatment of child abuse.
With a few exceptions (biomechanics, imaging, photodocumentation, medicolegal issues), each chapter is body system specific and reflects a significant refinement in our understanding of the mechanism(s) of injury in child abuse. Of particular note is the addition of chapters on the Biomechanics of Physical Injury, New Directions in Neuroradiology, Immersion Injuries and Conditions that Mimic Child Sexual Abuse. In the last 10 years, some of the field's greatest advances have been in understanding of the "pathology" of inflicted trauma and emanate from the study of biomechanics and the use of technologic advances in radiologic imaging. The contributors to these sections have done a superb job in reporting these advances in a clinically relevant manner.
Recognizing that the scientific basis of our understanding of injury is still evolving, each author thoughtfully describes the current state, and limitations, of our knowledge. This is a text for clinicians who have matured with the field as well as those just getting their feet wet, amply covering both the fundamentals and advanced aspects of child maltreatment. Readers will find this a favorite first reference to consult when confronted with a clinically challenging differential diagnosis regarding the interpretation of cutaneous, skeletal findings or anogenital trauma. The chapters on the Pathology of Fatal Abuse and Fatal Child Abuse and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome superbly complement each other and should be of great value to clinicians who participate on child death review teams.
Each chapter is strong enough to be considered an authoritative monograph on its own. The chapters on Abusive Head Trauma, Child Sexual Abuse, Neglect, Ocular Manifestations and Child abuse by Poisoning are classic syntheses of those topics. Charts, drawings, algorithms, radiologic images and color photographs provide meaningful adjuncts to the text, particularly helpful to the clinician.
Although this text is clearly geared towards health care professionals, it will also prove invaluable for colleagues in law enforcement and child protection who may be called upon to interpret medical reports and understand the "how to's" of the medical diagnosis of child maltreatment. This text could only be enhanced by the addition of chapters that assist clinicians in understanding child abuse and neglect in the larger context of the child protection system and that emphasize the role of pediatricians in abuse prevention.
Kudos go to the editors and the contributing authors for sharing their clinical expertise in a textbook that represents the cutting edge of our understanding of the medical diagnosis and treatment of child abuse and neglect. This book is a fitting tribute to the field as child abuse enters its forth decade.
Martin A. Finkel, D.O.
Professor of Pediatrics
Medical Director
Center for Children's Support
School of Osteopathic Medicine
University of Medicine & Dentistry of Ne