Lacerated kidneys are often associated with high-energy trauma, such as falls from heights and traffic accidents.
This article explains what a lacerated kidney is, how it can happen, and what it feels like.
It also discusses grading for kidney laceration severity, along with how kidney lacerations are treated.
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Most kidney injuries are triggered by blunt trauma such as car accidents or falls.
Some kidney injuries can be resulting from penetrating trauma such as stabbing or shooting.
Types of Kidney Injuries
Kidney injuries are classified by five grades.
For more severe kidney injuries, it can take up to 12 months to fully recover.
The blood might be microscopic or absent altogether.
Diagnosing Kidney Lacerations
The diagnosis of a renal injury is done through a detailed history and physical.
Labs and imaging will be ordered to evaluate the injury and to help plan for treatment.
If you are sent home after observation there may be a plan to check repeat imaging in the future.
If your injury is high-grade, you may require emergency surgery to repair or remove the kidney.
If you feel dizzy or weak,call 911rather than drive yourself to the hospital.
Note that bleeding may not occur right away.
Kidney lacerations are typically the result of very high-energy traumatic injuries, like traffic accidents.
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