Reviews Abdominal injuries and sport

Introduction Serious abdominal trauma as a result of sporting activities is an uncommon problem. However, because of its relative infrequency, injuries may sometimes go undiagnosed. Significant blunt abdominal injuries do not present in the same way as major orthopaedic injuries, usually because these injuries are, for the most part, internal and concealed. Thankfully penetrating injuries are quite rare and usually confined to high velocity sports when they are sustained by impaling on a stationery object. Penetrating injury from sports such as fencing and shooting are rare, as the potential risk is recognised and appropriate preventive measures are taken by the responsible sporting bodies. Like so many other sporting injuries with serious consequences, significant trauma is often considered only when the medical attendant has a high index of suspicion. It is important therefore that the forces involved in an injury and the mechanism of the injury are understood, and to have some knowledge of the sport or activity during which the injury was sustained. This paper will review the causes of abdominal injuries in sport. It will describe patterns of abdominal injuries associated with diVerent sports and describe symptoms and signs associated with these injuries, and their initial management, investigation, and definitive management. In addition, it will review areas in which injury prevention can play a significant role.