Blunt kidney trauma

Blunt injuries to the kidney from helmets, shoulder pads, and knees are described in football,[1] and in soccer, martial arts,[2] and all-terrain vehicle crashes.

[6] The American Academy of Pediatrics currently recommends a "qualified yes"[7] for participation by athletes with single kidneys in contact/collision sports although some physicians remain reluctant to acquiesce.

Online calculators have been developed that facilitate grading of renal traumatic injuries based on imaging findings according to AAST (American Association for the Surgery of Trauma) guidelines.

[8] Unlike ultrasound examination (FAST), CT provides anatomic and functional information that allows for accurate grading of the injury which is partly responsible for a growing trend toward conservative management (intravenous fluids, close monitoring, watchful waiting) of renal trauma.

[9] Conservative management does not apply in situations where extensive urinary extravasation or devitalized areas of renal parenchyma are found and especially if associated with injuries to other abdominal organs; these cases are complication-prone and much more likely to require surgery.