Splenic rupture caused by a cricket ball. A case report.

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Trauma Surgery
• Pediatric Surgery

Background:

• Blunt abdominal trauma can cause splenic injuries.
• Sports-related injuries are a common cause of blunt trauma in adolescents.
• Splenic rupture requires prompt medical evaluation and management.

Observation:

• A 14-year-old male presented with symptoms of intra-abdominal hemorrhage following a cricket match injury.
• Clinical presentation was consistent with splenic rupture.
• Diagnostic imaging confirmed significant intra-abdominal bleeding.

Findings:

• Emergency laparotomy revealed a deep hilar laceration of the spleen.
• Splenorrhaphy (spleen repair) was not surgically feasible.
• A splenectomy (spleen removal) was performed due to the extensive splenic damage.

Implications:

• Splenectomy in pediatric patients necessitates long-term prophylactic antibiotic management.
• Adolescents sustaining splenic injuries require careful follow-up to monitor for complications.
• This case highlights the potential for severe splenic trauma from seemingly minor sporting incidents.