Accidental tramline bruising and rib fractures

linear implement and in children would be considered suggestive of maltreatment [1]. In this case it is hypothesised that the linearity was caused by compression of the skin against the tarmac by the ribs from within, rather than by compression by a rod from without. It is likely that such a mechanism requires a body mass substantially greater than the average child’s, so although this case demonstrates that linear bruising in an adult is not pathognomonic of a blow with a rod-like implement, in children it will raise suspicion of maltreatment.