RENAL TRAUMA: TWO-HEADED MONSTER

In this issue of The Journal, p. 1189, appears an article dealing with "The Injured Kidney." Injury to the kidney is unquestionably more common than we suspect, since many instances may be relatively minor in nature and thus overlooked. The sociologic factors of high-speed transportation, enthusiasm for contact sports, and leisure time to indulge in some rather hazardous hobbies are prevalent and increasing. It seems not unlikely that the opportunities for kidney injury may also become more frequent. An analysis of kidney injuries leads to the inevitable observation that there are two major aspects of the problem: the first is the diagnosis and management of the acute renal injury; and the second—perhaps more important but less appreciated—is the recognition of the late complications of renal trauma.

The diagnosis of acute renal injury depends upon an awareness of the possibility of injury and upon the indicated studies. Physical examination and urinalysis