[Isolated injuries of intestinal tract due to body maltreatment (author's transl)]

Three cases of fatal blunt abdominal trauma due to physical abuse are reported. Rupture of intestine and mesentery occurred after maltreatment by kick, battering, shaking, and throwing off on a mattress. The different mechanisms leading to these injuries are discussed. Small bowel lesions secondary to direct laceration are recognized to be more probable than due to indirect trauma.