N Engl J Med 2013; 368:1723-1730May 2, 2013DOI: 10.1056/NEJMra1109343 Authors:Robyn Norton, Ph.D., M.P.H., and Olive Kobusingye, M.Med. (Surg), M.P.H.

Injuries have traditionally been defined as physical damage to a person caused by an acute transfer of energy (mechanical, thermal, electrical, chemical, or radiation energy) or by the sudden absence of heat or oxygen. This definition has been broadened to include damage that results in psychological harm, maldevelopment, or deprivation.1 Injuries are most commonly categorized with reference to the presumed underlying intent: injuries considered to be unintentional include those caused by road-traffic incidents, falls, drowning, burns, and poisonings, and injuries considered to be intentional include those caused by self-harm, interpersonal violence, and war and conflict.