Rare association of traumatic diaphragmatic hernia with spinal cord injury: A case report

This case report describes a rare instance of a patient who suffered both a traumatic diaphragmatic hernia and a spinal cord injury following a motorbike accident. The diaphragmatic hernia, where abdominal organs protrude into the chest cavity, was initially missed due to the more prominent spinal injury. The patient underwent emergency laparotomy to repair the hernia, followed by spinal fixation surgery. Early mobilization was initiated post-surgery, and the patient began rehabilitation. The report highlights the challenges in diagnosing visceral injuries in patients with neurological deficits and emphasizes the importance of early identification and management of both the diaphragmatic hernia and spinal injuries for improved outcomes.

• 1
  The case demonstrates the rare co-occurrence of traumatic diaphragmatic hernia with thoracolumbar fracture-dislocation and spinal cord injury.
• 2
  Early identification and surgical management of the diaphragmatic hernia are crucial for patient survival and to enable subsequent spinal fixation.
• 3
  Neurological deficits can mask associated visceral injuries, emphasizing the need for thorough diagnostic evaluation in trauma patients.