Perforation of the colon secondary to blunt trauma occurs only rarely. A total of 10 cases has been observed in our clinic in the course of the last 20 years, 9 of them resulting from traffic accidents. 7 patients survived the colon perforation and the associated injuries, which in some cases were severe. Perforation occurs mainly in those areas of the colon which are particularly liable to be damaged as a result of whiplash injuries as well as injuries from the impact itselfl As far as prognosis and course are concerned, a distinction should be made between a colon perforation detected and treated immediately after the accident and a mural defect in the colon secondary to a previous traumatic lesion.