Primary torsion of the omentum in a jackhammer operator: another vibration-related injury.

Reported injuries from vibrating tools include vibration syndrome, arthropathies, pneumomediastinum, and rupture of the sigmoid colon. The use of jackhammers in particular is associated with these injuries. The authors have identified a construction worker who suffered torsion of the omentum as a result of using a 42.75-kg (95 lb) jackhammer. His clinical presentation of right upper-quadrant pain and fever was confused with acute cholecystitis, and it was not until laparotomy that the correct diagnosis was made. This diagnosis should be suspected in workers who experience acute abdominal pain and are exposed to vibration or repetitive blunt abdominal trauma.