Best Practice Case Studies-Kidney Injuries

Pdf Summary

The kidneys are essential organs that clean waste from the blood, later expelled as urine. They are susceptible to injury, especially within sports contexts, making them the third most commonly injured abdominal organs. Kidney injuries in sports usually result from blunt trauma or intense exercise. Blunt trauma, more common in children, can lead to bruises or cuts on the kidney, often resulting from collisions in activities like football, hockey, and boxing. The exact cause of exercise-induced kidney injury remains unclear, though it tends to occur during prolonged, intense exercise, such as in military recruits or marathon runners.<br /><br />Symptoms of kidney injuries range from none to severe, depending on the nature of the injury. Severe trauma-related injuries can cause nausea, vomiting, pain, bruising, and low blood pressure due to blood loss. Exercise-induced injuries may show no symptoms, though blood or extra protein might appear in the urine.<br /><br />Sports medicine physicians assess suspected kidney injuries by checking vital signs and examining the abdomen and back. Blood tests and urinalysis help determine kidney health and function. A CT scan might be necessary for severe injuries. Although blunt kidney injuries are rare in sports, using protective gear is advisable, especially for those with a single kidney. Additionally, staying hydrated and avoiding over-exertion can help prevent exercise-induced injuries.<br /><br />Recovery and return to play depend on injury severity. Blunt kidney injuries typically resolve in 2-6 weeks unless surgery is needed. Exercise-induced injuries generally improve within 48-72 hours. The renowned AMSSM offers resources to find specialized sports medicine physicians to support athletes' recovery and overall health.<br /><br />For further information, visit SportsMedToday.com or AMSSM.org.

Meta Tag

Edition 3rd Edition

Related Case 3rd Edition, CASE 56

Topic Uro-Genital

Keywords

3rd Edition, CASE 56

3rd Edition

Uro-Genital

kidney injuries

sports medicine

blunt trauma

exercise-induced

symptoms

protective gear

hydration

recovery

CT scan

AMSSM