Penetrating Abdominal Injury

Abstract

Abdominal trauma may be caused by injury to the lower chest, back, flanks, or by penetration of the anterior abdominal wall. The diaphragm, at the end of full expiration, may rise as high as the fourth intercostal space anteriorly, and to the tips of the scapulae posteriorly. Bullets with sufficient kinetic energy may penetrate the abdomen from wounds originating in the neck, upper chest, back, proximal extremities, or pelvis, depending on the angle of impact and the victim’s position. Thus, a high index of suspicion must be maintained that abdominal injury might have occurred in any patient with penetrating trauma.