Recognition and management of abdominal injuries at athletic events

Abstract

Most athletic events present potential for abdominal trauma for their participants. The responsibility of the "most medical" professional at the event is to have the knowledge to recognize, treat, and properly manage these injuries. As these injuries are very different in nature from orthopedic injuries, the dangers presented are also very different, and can include outcomes as serious as organ failure and death. Because of these differing risks, many professionals are uneasy about proper treatment, especially on the sidelines. However, with a few key points about mechanism of injury, monitoring changes in vital signs, and careful assessment of presenting symptoms, most abdominal injuries can be properly managed on the sidelines.

Level of evidence: 5.

Keywords: abdominal trauma; emergency response; herniation; organ damage; rupture.

Figure 1.

Musculature of the abdominal wall, offering minimal protection to the organs beneath.

Figure 2.

Anterior view of the abdominal contents. The spleen and kidneys are not visualized but are a part of the abdominal contents.

Figure 3.

The rebound test, note placements of the hands for performance of this test.