Injury pattern data were obtained for one type of trauma, falls from children's high chairs, from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Medical personnel at 4 training levels (51 clinical clerks, interns, senior residents, and pediatric faculty) were randomized to receive a case description, including an account of a fall from a high chair, as the explanation of injury, with or without the CPSC data. The injury described in the case was not one consistent with that in the CPSC data pattern. Subjects consequently were asked about their confidence in the accidental injury explanation provided and their desire to make a report of suspected child abuse. Respondents given the CPSC data had less confidence in the explanation, although subjects in both groups felt strongly that a report should be made. Decreased confidence in the explanation were present at all training levels, and all respondents wanted more information to make an evaluation. Results suggest that use of pattern injury data could aid clinicians in their evaluation of physical trauma cases, although such data cannot substitute for a thorough medical and social evaluation. 4 tables and 10 references. (Author abstract modified)