Patient selection: pediatric patient with solitary kidney
Activities with highest risk to the kidney:
(1) all terrain vehicle
(2) dirt bike
(3) any activity with higher risk for a deceleration injury
Activities with moderate risk:
(1) organized contact sports (football, basketball, hockey, soccer) without protective gear
(2) pickup games with contact potential
(3) bicycling
(4) sledding, skiing or snowboarding
(5) horseback riding
Activities with low risk:
(1) organized contact sports (football, basketball, hockey, soccer) with protective gear
Activities with lowest risk:
(1) noncontact sports
A pediatric patient wishing to participate in a contact, collision or limited contact sport should first be evaluated by a physician. The location of the kidney and its vulnerability to trauma should be assessed.
A patient need not be excluded from many activities if the risk of renal damage is low and protective equipment is worn.
