Traumatic abdominal wall hernias: disruptions of the abdominal wall muscles associated to pelvic bone fractures illustrated by two case reports

BMC Surg. 2020 Oct 27;20(1):253. doi: 10.1186/s12893-020-00909-2.

Abstract

Background: Blunt abdominal traumas are often associated with intra-abdominal injuries and pelvic fractures. Traumatic abdominal wall hernias due to disruption of the abdominal wall muscles may be overlooked. Delayed diagnosis can lead to hernia related complications.

Case presentation: We present two cases of high kinetic trauma with pelvic fractures and acute traumatic abdominal wall herniation. Both of these cases suffered from a delayed diagnosis and needed surgery to treat the symptomatic herniation.

Conclusion: Clinical reassessment and appropriate medical imaging are mandatory in patients with high kinetic abdominal blunt traumas and associated pelvic fracture, in order to prevent delayed diagnosis and possible complications.

Keywords: Abdominal wall disruption; Blunt abdominal trauma; Pelvic fractures; Traumatic abdominal wall hernia.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abdominal Injuries* / diagnostic imaging
  • Abdominal Injuries* / etiology
  • Abdominal Wall* / diagnostic imaging
  • Abdominal Wall* / surgery
  • Delayed Diagnosis
  • Fractures, Bone* / diagnostic imaging
  • Fractures, Bone* / etiology
  • Fractures, Comminuted / diagnostic imaging
  • Fractures, Comminuted / etiology
  • Fractures, Compression / diagnostic imaging
  • Fractures, Compression / etiology
  • Hernia, Abdominal* / diagnostic imaging
  • Hernia, Abdominal* / etiology
  • Hernia, Abdominal* / surgery
  • Herniorrhaphy
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Trauma / diagnosis
  • Wounds, Nonpenetrating* / complications
  • Wounds, Nonpenetrating* / diagnostic imaging