Introduction:

The diaphragmatic rupture is a diagnostic and a therapeutic challenge for physicians who have to face the management of polytraumatized patients; there must always be suspicion on traumatic injuries of thoracic or abdominal location.

Objective:

To inform the diagnostic and therapeutic elements followed in case of diaphragmatic and splenic rupture of traumatic origin.

Presentation of the case:

14-year-old male teenager that was admitted for presenting stabbing wound by sharp weapon, with abdominal location and clinical manifestations that allow making the diagnosis of the condition being treated. During surgery, it was found the rupture of the diaphragm, a diaphragmatic hernia and splenic rupture with output of blood into the abdominal cavity. It was conducted the reduction of the hernia, the suture of the diaphragm and the removal of the spleen due to the state of the organ during the surgery.

Conclusions:

Post-traumatic diaphragmatic rupture is an entity that it is most often seen in pediatric patients. The clinical examination aided by imaging studies is vital for its diagnosis, early treatment and to avoid complications. It is important to maintain a high index of suspicion to face this rare entity, but not so rare in the pediatric age group. The patient had a favourable evolution and he was discharged of the surgery service after 10 days of hospitalization.

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