Brittle Bones or Fragile Bone Syndrome

When Unexplained Fractures Trigger CPS Investigations

When a doctor discovers an unexplained fracture in a child, concerns about possible child abuse often arise. In Michigan, this frequently leads to reports to Children’s Protective Services (CPS), law enforcement, and Child Protection Team (CPT) physicians for further investigation.

Doctors evaluating unexplained fractures may consider factors such as:

• Fractures appearing to be in different stages of healing
• Explanations that appear inconsistent with the injury pattern
• The severity of the injury compared to the reported mechanism

Because medical professionals are mandated reporters, they are often required to report suspected abuse when they believe a child may be at risk.

However, an unexplained fracture does not automatically mean a child has been abused.

Medical Conditions That May Mimic Child Abuse

Certain medical, metabolic, and genetic conditions may increase a child’s susceptibility to fractures and other injuries that can resemble signs commonly associated with child abuse.

Examples may include:

• Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI)
• Osteopenia
• Wormian Bones
• Temporary Brittle Bone Disease
• Rickets
• Vitamin and mineral deficiencies
• Other metabolic or genetic disorders

This list is not exhaustive.

Pediatric orthopedic physicians, geneticists, pediatric radiologists, endocrinologists, and other specialists may all play important roles in determining the cause of an unexplained injury.

Our CPS defense attorneys have spent decades representing Michigan families falsely accused of child abuse. In many cases, obtaining an accurate diagnosis requires collaboration among multiple medical experts rather than reliance upon a single evaluation.

We frequently work with:

• Pediatric orthopedic specialists
• Genetic experts
• Pediatric radiologists
• Biomechanical engineers
• Medical researchers
• Other nationally recognized experts

 

 

Our goal is to ensure that all reasonable medical explanations are thoroughly investigated before conclusions are drawn.

Classic Metaphyseal Lesions (CMLs), sometimes referred to as “corner fractures,” are often considered significant findings in child abuse evaluations. However, the presence of a CML alone does not automatically establish that abuse occurred. The diagnosis must be evaluated within the context of the child’s complete medical history, clinical findings, diagnostic testing, and all other available evidence.

Osteogenesis Imperfecta and Other Bone Disorders

Child Protection Team physicians sometimes order genetic testing when Osteogenesis Imperfecta is suspected.

Negative genetic testing may reduce the likelihood of certain forms of Osteogenesis Imperfecta, but medical professionals may still consider additional clinical findings, family history, imaging studies, and other diagnostic information when evaluating a child’s condition.

Some children may have medical conditions that are not identified through routine genetic testing. Consequently, a comprehensive medical evaluation may be necessary before reaching conclusions about the cause of unexplained fractures.

Vitamin D Deficiency and Bone Health

Vitamin D plays an important role in childhood bone development.

Vitamin D deficiency and other metabolic conditions can, in some circumstances, contribute to weakened bone development. Medical professionals should evaluate whether nutritional, metabolic, genetic, or other factors may be relevant when assessing unexplained fractures.

Our attorneys have represented many Michigan families whose children were ultimately found to have medical conditions that required further investigation before conclusions regarding abuse could be reached.

Common Mistakes Parents Make During CPS Investigations

Parents are often shocked when an unexplained injury leads to a CPS investigation.

Many parents first become concerned after noticing tenderness, swelling, bruising, or other symptoms and responsibly seek medical care. When testing later reveals a fracture or injury, they may have no idea how it occurred.

Once CPS becomes involved, investigators and medical professionals frequently ask detailed questions regarding possible causes of the injury.

One common mistake is speculation.

Parents often try to be helpful by suggesting possible explanations, even when they are uncertain. Unfortunately, speculative explanations can sometimes be misunderstood or mischaracterized during an investigation.

For that reason, parents should proceed carefully and seek legal guidance as early as possible.

Protecting Your Rights During a CPS Investigation

If you are under investigation for child abuse or neglect, it is important to understand that statements made to CPS investigators, medical personnel, and law enforcement may later become part of court proceedings.

Parents should seriously consider consulting an experienced Michigan CPS defense attorney before participating in extensive interviews regarding unexplained injuries.

Similarly, if law enforcement wishes to question you regarding your child’s injuries, obtaining legal counsel before making statements may help protect your rights.

A CPS investigation can lead to:

• Child protective proceedings
• Temporary restrictions on parenting time
• Removal proceedings
• Court supervision
• Termination of parental rights proceedings
• Criminal child abuse investigations

These cases are often complex and emotionally overwhelming. Early intervention by experienced counsel can make a significant difference.

Speak With a Michigan CPS Defense Attorney

If your child has suffered unexplained fractures or injuries and CPS, law enforcement, hospital personnel, or Child Protection Team physicians have become involved, you should seek legal advice immediately.

You should contact our office if:

• Your child has multiple fractures
• Your child has injuries that cannot easily be explained
• CPS or law enforcement has contacted you
• Hospital staff have restricted your access to your child
• You have been asked to attend a multidisciplinary meeting regarding your child’s injuries
• CPS is investigating your family

The Kronzek Firm’s Michigan CPS defense attorneys have spent decades defending parents against false allegations of abuse and neglect. We work with respected medical experts throughout the United States and aggressively advocate for families facing CPS investigations and child protective proceedings.

If you are facing a CPS investigation anywhere in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, contact us immediately.

Our attorneys are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at (866) 766-5245.