Jejuno-renal injury following traumatic hyperextension.

A 4-year-old boy suffered hyperextension injury with small-bowel obstruction and renal injuries. This unusual constellation of findings is discussed in light of the pathophysiologic mechanisms of the injury. Hyperextension of the spine resulted in rupture of the anterior longitudinal ligament and avulsion of the L1-L2 disc; a loop of bowel was then drawn into the disc space. There also was an internal tear of the renal artery. Two years after uretero-ureterostomy with nephrostomy tube, the child is normotensive with adequate renal function and with normal growth and development.