High dive platform jump results in perineal injury to college athlete

Background: Blunt perineal trauma from straddle injuries is more likely to occur in the pediatric population and may result in lacerations requiring surgical repair. The article presents a young adult female who suffered a perineal laceration after diving off of a diving board and hitting the water below. Prompt evaluation and appropriate triage to the gynecologic surgeon after such injuries can prevent significant morbidity to a patient. Case: A 21-year-old female college swimmer jumped from a 10-m diving platform at a certified aquatic center. The patient experienced a deep perineal laceration. She was taken to the operating room for examination under anesthesia and surgical repair, which was performed similar to that of a third degree laceration that occurs at childbirth. Results: Immediate evaluation by trauma surgery and fast intervention by gynecology with surgical repair resulted in a positive outcome for the patient. Conclusions: Patients should be warned about the dangers of poorly executed high dives including soft tissue injuries such as blunt perineal lacerations. After injury is identified, immediate transport of the patient to a center staffed to receive gynecologic patients is important for beneficial patient outcome.