BLUNT nonpenetrating trauma to the abdomen, mild or severe, may eventuate in a serious emergency. Associated injuries, usually fractures, are commonplace. The likelihood of a concealed viscus rupture always presents a challenging problem. The sudden acquisition of such a case initiates a great responsibility, is almost certain to dislocate routine practice, and will demand maximum attendance with repeated observations. In reaching a prompt diagnosis, a preconceived composite picture of the potential lesions should be in a surgeon's mind; to accomplish early treatment an orderly program of complete investigation should immediately be instituted. Delayed therapy rapidly accelerates morbidity and mortality.
Modern motorization makes each of us a potential victim, giving this matter more than academic interest. Motor vehicles lead as the source of injury, as seen from the following tabulation:
Aviation accidents are not reported, since the majority are immediately fatal. Since half the traumas producing viscus rupture are automotive in