Traumatic hernia of the anterior abdominal wall.

Despite an increase in incidence of blunt abdominal trauma and despite the variations in compressive forces that occur, very few cases of traumatic hernia of the anterior abdominal wall have been recorded. Two recently treated cases of traumatic disruption of the musculature and fascia of the anterior abdominal wall with herniation of intestine into the subcutaneous space are herein reported. The occurrence of blunt abdominal trauma associated with an extra-abdominal mass believed to contain intestine signifies a severe compressive force and probable extensive associated injury. It represents an acute emergency and requires prompt resuscitative measures and surgical intervention.