Traumatic diaphragmatic rupture represents a diagnostic challenge to any physician dealing with polytraumatized patients. This uncommon injury must be suspected in certain types of accidents, making knowledge of trauma mechanisms vital for its diagnosis. In this paper we present a case of traumatic diaphragmatic rupture with intrathoracic herniation of abdominal contents, which was surgically repaired. We also present a review of the clinical characteristics, diagnosis and treatment of this entity, emphasizing the importance of keeping a high index of suspicion in order to achieve a correct diagnosis.