ABSTRACT
The development of pediatric expertise in regional trauma systems has led to advances in triage and transport of seriously injured children to appropriate facilities prepared for the unique challenges of these patients (1). Several recent reviews of the National Pediatric Trauma Registry (NPTR) indicate that 8% to 12% of blunt injured children will have abdominal injury (2,3) (Discala, C. personal communication, March 2001). Fortunately, more than 90% of those with blunt abdominal injuries survive and only 22% of the deaths are related to the abdominal injury. Whereas abdominal injuries are 30% more common than thoracic injuries, they are 40% less likely to be associated with a fatal outcome.
