Kidney Injury

Bruising or tearing of the kidney or ureter. Kidneys filter waste material from the bloodstream and produce urine. Ureters are the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder. The most common injury to the kidney is contusion. In contact sports, this may result from a blow from a knee or helmet, with the shock penetrating the flank muscles and reaching the kidney.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED

• Kidney.
• Ureters (tubes that carry urine from the kidney to the bladder).
• Muscles of the abdominal wall.
• Subcutaneous tissue, nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue.
• Urethra (tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body).

Causes

• A blow or penetrating wound to the kidney, located on the side of the body under the ribs.
• Urinary-tract infection caused by kidney damage that leads to decreased rate of flow of urine. Decreased urinary flow rates allow bacteria to grow and infect the parts of the urinary tract-kidney, ureters, bladder and urethra.

Signs & Symptoms

• Pain and tenderness in the flank or back, just below the ribs on the injured side.
• Fever to 101 F (38.3C).
• Blood in the urine. There may be enough to make urine look "smoky" or bloody. Lesser bleeding can only be determined by studying urine under the microscope.
• If infection of the injured kidney complicates the injury, sudden onset of:
  Fever and shaking chills.
  Burning, frequent urination.
  Cloudy urine or blood in the urine.
  Aching (sometimes severe) in one or both sides of the lower back.
  Abdominal pain.
  Marked fatigue.

Treatment

Follow your doctor's instructions. Instructions are supplemental

No special instructions except those under other headings. If surgery is required,your surgeon will supply postoperative instructions.

MEDICATION

Your doctor may prescribe:

• Pain relievers.
• Antibiotics to treat or protect against infection.

Home Diet

• Drink 6 to 8 glasses of fluid daily.
• Don't drink alcohol.
• During recovery, eat a well-balanced diet that includes extra protein, such as meat, fish, poultry, cheese, milk and eggs. Increase fiber intake to prevent constipation that may result from decreased activity.

Prevention Tips

• Use adequate protective equipment for contact sports.
• Develop good muscle conditioning in the flank area. Increased muscle mass helps protect underlying organs and other tissues.
• Toxic injury often may be prevented by properly observing the directions for use of medications or other products. Follow the directions of the health care provider for use of all medications, including over-the-counter medications.
• Use cleaning products, solvents, and fuels as directed in a well-ventilated area because the fumes may also be toxic. Be aware of potential sources of lead poisoning, such as old paints, vapors from working with lead-coated metals, alcohol distilled in recycled car radiators, and similar sources.