Rope swing injuries resulting in vulvar trauma

Holly R Hoefgen; Diane F Merritt

doi:10.1016/j.jpag.2014.05.009

Rope swing injuries resulting in vulvar trauma

J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol. 2015 Feb;28(1):e13-e15. doi: 10.1016/j.jpag.2014.05.009. Epub 2014 Jun 2.

Authors

Holly R Hoefgen¹, Diane F Merritt²

Affiliations

¹ Division of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO.
² Division of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO. Electronic address: merritd@wustl.edu.

PMID: 25444055
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpag.2014.05.009

Abstract

Background: River tree rope swings are popular for recreation along inland lakes and rivers, but not without hazard. In a comprehensive review of injuries related to rope swings, genital injuries accounted for nearly 3 percent.

Case: We describe significant genital injuries, with laceration and avulsion of the labia and a large vulvar hematoma in 2 young women as a consequence of rope swing use.

Summary and conclusions: Visitors to inland waterways need to be cognizant of the hazards of rope swings and health care professionals should consider this mechanism of injury when confronted with vulvar trauma.

Keywords: Female injuries; Genitalia; Hematoma; Rope swing; Vulva.

Publication types

Case Reports

MeSH terms

Adolescent
Female
Hematoma / etiology*
Humans
Lacerations / etiology*
Play and Playthings / injuries*
Vulva / injuries*
Vulvar Diseases / etiology*