Master the Mayhem: 2026 ATLS Practice Exam – Be the Trauma Hero!

The spleen is the organ most commonly associated with solid organ injury in trauma cases due to its location and vascular structure. It is situated in the upper left quadrant of the abdomen, making it particularly susceptible to blunt abdominal trauma, such as from motor vehicle accidents or falls. The spleen is highly vascularized, and its injuries can lead to significant hemorrhage, which is why it often presents as a critical concern in trauma situations.

In trauma assessments, the spleen's splenic capsule can be torn or lacerated, resulting in internal bleeding that can rapidly lead to hypovolemic shock if not managed promptly. This risk of severe bleeding is a key reason why it is considered the most frequently injured solid organ in trauma cases.

While the liver is also a common site of injury and has a similar risk profile, the spleen's anatomical characteristics and common injury patterns in trauma cases give it a slight edge in prevalence as the most commonly injured solid organ. Other organs like the kidneys and pancreas are less frequently injured in comparison, often due to their more protected position in the abdomen or anatomical structure, which makes them less susceptible to direct trauma.