@article{ref1,
title="Barely benign: the dangers of BB and other nonpowder guns",
journal="Journal of pediatric surgery",
year="2020",
author="Hyak, Jonathan M. and Todd, Hannah and Rubalcava, Daniel M. and Vogel, Adam M. and Fallon, Sara and Naik-Mathuria, Bindi",
volume="ePub",
number="ePub",
pages="ePub-ePub",
abstract="OBJECTIVE: To characterize the risks of nonpowder guns commonly used by children for recreation. <br><br>METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of children ≤18 years of age treated for nonpowder gun injuries at a pediatric level I trauma center during 2013-2017. Demographics, injury characteristics, treatments, and outcomes were reviewed and analyzed using descriptive statistics. <br><br>RESULTS: Forty-six cases were identified; of these, 78% were male and the median age was 10 years (IQR 7-13). All guns were either ball-bearing or pellet guns. Eighty-five percent (38/46) of injuries were penetrating. The most common location was the head and neck (28%), followed by the anterior torso (26%) and eye (24%). Significant injuries that penetrated organs or body cavities occurred in 39% (18/46) and included subarachnoid hemorrhage; lung, liver, and kidney lacerations; pulmonary artery injury; and tracheal injury. Nine percent (4/26) were admitted to the intensive care unit, 37% (17/46) underwent surgery, and there were no deaths. <br><br>DISCUSSION: Injuries from recreational nonpowder guns such as ball-bearing or pellet guns can cause severe injuries in children. A thorough penetrating trauma workup should always be undertaken. Safety precautions should be taken when using these guns and access to young children should be restricted. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognosis level IV.<br><br>Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0022-3468",
doi="10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2020.02.010",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2020.02.010"
}