Child abuse often presents with:

• Bruises of different ages (some fresh and others already discoloured)
• Bruises with a particular distribution (on the back and back of legs)
• Bruises with a particular pattern (hand, buckle, or tram line due to a stick)
• Cigarette burns
• Burns of the buttocks or perineum
• Burns on the hands and feet
• Any injuries in the mouth

An X-ray examination may show multiple injuries of different ages, e.g. new and old rib fractures.