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The horseshoe kidney is a common renal anomaly which occurs apprixmately once in every 400 live births. The condition is more common in males than females (2:1).

Development occurs after a midline connection occurs from fetal contact of metanephric connections. The isthmus can be fibrous or functioning renal parenchyma.

The position of the horseshoe kidney is typically low in the abdomen from arrested ascent of the kidney from the pelvis during development.

Other associated urinary tract anomalies may be present, including ureteropelvic junction obstruction, duplication anomales, and increased frequency of stone formation.

Horseshoe kidney may be seen in syndromes such as Turner’s and Ellis Van Creveld Syndrome.