Which finding would raise concern for non-accidental trauma in a child?

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Bruising in soft tissue areas not over bony prominences is a red flag for possible non-accidental trauma. In children, most everyday injuries occur over bones that are likely to strike surfaces during falls or bumps, so bruises tend to appear on bony areas like knees, elbows, shins, or the forehead. When bruising shows up on soft parts—such as the cheeks, ears, genitals, buttocks, or trunk—or in locations and patterns that don’t fit a plausible accidental mechanism, it raises concern for abuse. Patterns of injury, multiple bruises at different healing stages, or injuries inconsistent with the child’s age or activity further support the concern. So this finding—bruising in areas not over bony prominences—best indicates non-accidental trauma.