Diagnostic Significance of Frenal Attachment Injuries in Abuse: Insights from Forensic Nursing and Forensic Odontology

Abstract

Frenal attachment injuries, particularly tears of the labial or lingual frenulum, are often considered potential indicators of nonaccidental
injury, especially in paediatric and other vulnerable populations. However, their diagnostic significance remains
complex and requires careful interpretation within a broader clinical and forensic context. This paper aims to evaluate the role
of frenal injuries as indicators of abuse through an interdisciplinary lens integrating forensic nursing and forensic odontology.
The study reviews the anatomical variations of frenal attachments, their prevalence across populations, and their clinical
implications. It further examines the mechanisms underlying frenal injuries, distinguishing between accidental and non-accidental
causes, and highlights the importance of correlating injury patterns with developmental status, clinical history, and associated
trauma. Evidence from existing literature underscores that frenal tears are not pathognomonic of abuse and may occur in both
accidental and abusive settings.