This is common in infants and children. There is a ‘gap’ in the midline between the two rectus abdominus muscles. This is evident as a sausage shaped swelling between the xiphisternum and umbilicus. It is more obvious when the child tenses the abdominal musculature. This is a benign finding or normal variant and is not a true hernia of the abdominal wall. This may become less obvious as the child gets older, the abdominal wall strengthens and the ‘gap’ naturally reduces in size.
Simple reassurance is all that is required. We would not expect any effect on activity or any symptoms associated with divarication of the recti
Ultrasound scan is NOT required.
FM, LS, JB Sept 22
