Surfing-related renal trauma

Abstract

Objectives: The objective of this study was to describe the prevalence and mechanisms of surfing-related renal trauma in a coastal town, which have not previously been published in the literature. Subjects/patients and methods: A 3 year retrospective review was completed of all renal trauma patients presenting to the Gold Coast Health Service. Results: Five injuries were identified and their mechanisms described, with three directly related to surfboard riding, one secondary to paddle boarding and one secondary to windsurfing. Surfing-related injuries accounted for 6% of the total renal trauma injuries in the study period. Injuries ranged from American Association for the Surgery of Trauma grade I–IV and were all managed non-operatively. One case was complicated by a urinoma, which resolved on interval follow-up imaging. All injuries were in males, and left-sided. Conclusion: Surfing-related activities have the potential to cause high-grade renal injuries. Diagnosis of renal trauma secondary to surfing-related activities requires a high index of clinical suspicion.