Traumatic abdominal wall hernia

Traumatic abdominal hernias are uncommon. A case is presented of a 49-year-old man who struck his abdomen on the handlebars of a snowmobile. Local pain, bruising, and reducible swelling with cough impulse suggest the diagnosis. Lateral or oblique X-rays and use of contrast material are recommended. Differentiation from a preexisting hernia may be important medicolegally. Incision, if necessary, should be very carefully made. In the present case surgical repair was followed by uneventful recovery.