Splenic trauma from blunt abdominal injury

Thirty-nine cases of splenic trauma from blunt abdominal injury are presented. Road trauma was the most common aetiological factor, and young adults were predominantly affected. Internal haemorrhage was the main determinant of the clinical picture, and nine cases of delayed haemorrhage following splenic trauma are reported. Associated injuries were present in two-thirds of cases and contributed to the high morbidity and mortality rate of splenic trauma. The operative and non-operative management of splenic trauma is discussed, and the roles of isotope spleen scans are demonstrated.