Horseshoe Kidney (Renal Fusion)
Most people are born with 2 kidneys. But sometimes the kidneys form fused together. The information here will help you talk to your urologist if you or your child has this condition.
Archived from the 2024 edition
Overview
Horseshoe kidney occurs in about 1 in 500 children. It occurs during fetal development as the kidneys move into their normal position. With horseshoe kidney, as the kidneys of the fetus rise from the pelvic area, they become attached ("fuse") together at the lower end or base. By fusing, they form into a U shape, like a horseshoe. This is thought to happen more often in males than in females.
The urinary tract is the body's drainage system. It includes two kidneys, two ureters, a bladder, and a urethra.
In this entry
The archived page carried these sections, in this order.
- What Happens Under Normal Conditions?
- Symptoms
- Diagnosis
- Treatment
- After Treatment
- Explore Further