Blunt transection of rectus abdominis following seatbelt related trauma with associated small and large bowel injury.
BACKGROUND
Closed rupture of rectus abdominis following seatbelt related trauma is rare.


METHODS
We present the case of a 45 year old female who presented with closed rupture of the rectus abdominis in conjunction with damage to small bowel mesentery and infarction of small and large bowel following a high velocity road traffic accident. Multiple intestinal resections were required resulting in short bowel syndrome and abdominal wall reconstruction with a porcine collagen mesh. Post-operative complications included intra-abdominal sepsis and an enterocutaneous fistula.


CONCLUSIONS
The presence of rupture of rectus abdominis muscle secondary to seatbelt injury should raise the suspicion of intra-abdominal injury.


CONCLUSIONS
Our case highlights the need for suspicion, investigation and subsequent surgical management of intra-abdominal injury following identification of this rare consequence of seatbelt trauma.
Department of Colorectal Surgery, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Mindelsohn Way, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2WB, United Kingdom. Electronic address: kamleshpatel@doctors.org.uk.
K
K
Patel
R
R
Doolin
N
N
Suggett
Rectus abdominus; Rupture; Seat-belt