Blunt trauma reveals a single kidney: a disqualification dilemma.
An 18-year-old stunt water-skier collided with a stationary boat, causing an impact to his right flank and thigh. Imaging studies revealed spondylolisthesis, fractures to the transverse processes of three lumbar vertebrae, and a single right kidney, which was uninjured. The kidney lay slightly anterior to the normal position, making it more vulnerable to injury. Consequently, the patient was advised to avoid waterskiing and all collision sports. This case points up the dilemmas physicians may face when treating athletes who have just one member of a paired organ.
Terrell
T
T
University of Maryland Sports Medicine at Kernan Hospital, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA.
Woods
M
M
Hough
D O
DO