Straddle Injuries

We understand that gender is a spectrum and we may use gendered terms to discuss anatomy and health risk. Straddle injury is a unique gynecological injury that primarily affects the pediatric and adolescent population, and rarely the adult population. These injuries can be difficult to manage, especially in children due to pain and discomfort associated with the injury as well as the intimate nature of the exam. This is particularly true in the setting of non-accidental trauma. It is important that providers understand the primary mechanism of straddle injuries and how to appropriately assess the patient upon presentation. The decision for conservative versus surgical management and subsequent follow-up has some nuances based on the specific patient population. This article will review key points and recommendations when assessing a patient with straddle injury.