Two cases of splenic injuries in adolescent lacrosse players

Abstract

Splenic injuries are the most common cause of death in the setting of abdominal trauma among athletes. Splenic injuries are difficult to diagnose as patients often present with non-localizing symptoms. There are limited reports of splenic lacerations due to the blunt impact from a lacrosse ball. We present two teenagers who presented to the Emergency Department (ED) with left-sided abdominal pain after being struck by a lacrosse ball in the left flank. Abdominal computed tomography scans revealed grade III and grade IV splenic lacerations, respectively. Understanding risk factors, associated symptoms, and return to play precautions is essential for diagnosis, management and anticipatory guidance in these patients.

Keywords

• Blunt abdominal injuries
• Trauma
• Splenic rupture
• Sports injuries
• Pediatric emergency medicine