ABSTRACT
Abdominal trauma is classified as a blunt or penetrating injury. Common causes include vehicular accidents, firearm injuries, falls, and fights. All abdominal structures, as well as supportive musculoskeletal elements, are prone to injury. Blunt trauma produces crushing, stretching, and shearing forces secondary to changes in speed and deformation of tissue. Abdominal injuries result as a consequence of viscera accelerating at a disproportionate rate compared to attachment. Kidneys, intestines, and spleen are vulnerable to shear force injuries. Penetrating injuries involve the transfer of energy to a small tissue area. The velocity of the wound is higher than blunt trauma and varies from low-energy stab wounds to medium/high-velocity gunshot injuries. Abnormal clinical findings are variable and may not be evident during the initial presentation. External wounds, bruising, subcutaneous swellings, caudal musculoskeletal, and neurologic injuries are suggestive of abdominal trauma. Recovery is based on the nature of the lesion(s) and the timing and types of medical/surgical interventions.
