One-Month-Old Baby Hospitalized with Multiple Rib Fractures

A one-month-old infant was hospitalized at the Santa Casa de Campo Grande with severe injuries, prompting a police investigation. The baby was admitted with multiple fractures to the ribs and a pleural effusion. The case was officially registered as bodily injury and omission of aid.

The child's parents were escorted to the police station to provide statements. According to reports, the injuries allegedly occurred during a thoracic massage intended to relieve the infant's gas. The parents admitted to using excessive force but delayed seeking medical help, citing financial constraints. The investigation was initiated after hospital social workers reported suspected mistreatment.

The infant was admitted to the Santa Casa de Campo Grande and placed in the pediatric ward. Medical examinations revealed extensive injuries to the child's rib cage. According to the hospital's social worker, the results showed fractures ranging from the 2nd to the 8th rib arc on the right side and from the 2nd to the 7th on the left side.

In addition to the bone fractures, the baby was diagnosed with a small to moderate pleural effusion on the right side. The child, born on November 23, 2025, remains under medical supervision. The severity of the injuries triggered the hospital's protocol for suspected abuse.

The mother of the infant provided a detailed account to the police regarding how the injuries occurred. She stated that the incident took place on Sunday, January 4. She explained that the father attempted to perform a thoracic massage on the baby to alleviate gas and colic.

According to the mother, the father applied excessive force without realizing the potential harm. The parents admitted they did not seek immediate medical attention because the child showed no apparent signs of pain and due to a lack of financial resources. The mother noted that they decided to take the baby to the UPA do Leblon only after she received her salary.

The father, identified as Elias, confirmed the mother's version of events. He told police he performed the massage with the intention of helping the child but acknowledged he was nervous due to the baby's crying. Elias also claimed to have called Samu on the day of the incident, though he did not provide a record of the call.

The Polícia Militar was activated after the hospital's social assistance department reported a suspicion of mistreatment. Upon the police's arrival at the hospital, the father was not present. He had reportedly left to fetch clothes, though he returned after being contacted by social services.

The Conselho Tutelar (Child Protective Council) was notified by both the police and hospital staff. However, records indicate that the council did not appear at the location. A counselor contacted via CIOPS reportedly refused to attend the scene. The grandmother was called to stay with the infant while the parents were taken to the police station.

The mother was released after giving a preliminary statement to the responsible delegate. The father remains involved in the proceedings. The case is currently under investigation for lesão corporal culposa (bodily injury) and omissão de socorro (omission of aid).