Genitourinary trauma in children

More children die from trauma than from any single disease. In children who sustain multiple injuries, urinary tract trauma is second only to central nervous system trauma. Most pediatric trauma is associated with vehicular and pedestrian accidents. However, the increased participation in contact sports and awareness of sports medicine injuries have increased the relative frequency and detection of sports-related injuries as well. Finally, we are all aware of the interpersonal violence of our society as well as the increased attention to sexual abuse. Indeed, the urologist is frequently involved with, and may be legally responsible for, evaluation of children in possible abusive situations. It is the intent of this article to discuss these areas, emphasizing genitourinary injuries unique to the pediatric age group, as well as to update controversies in the management of more complex urologic injuries.