Blunt trauma causing diaphragmatic rupture in children

Six children have been admitted over the last 10 years with blunt abdominal trauma causing diaphragmatic rupture. Four were acute presentations, with the emphasis on cardio-respiratory symptoms. There was a high incidence of associated injuries. Early laparotomy and repair of the diaphragm was performed successfully, and three out of four patients survived. Two patients presented late with gastrointestinal tract symptoms. A thoracotomy was necessary to free the adherent herniated bowel in one case. The peripheral nature of the lesion in children suggests that avulsion, aggravated by the increased elasticity and recoil of the thoracic cage, may play a major role in pathogenesis. Diaphragmatic rupture must be excluded in all severe cases of blunt abdominal trauma. Offprint requests to: R. A. Brown