TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2020//
TI  - Barely benign: the dangers of BB and other nonpowder guns
JO  - Journal of pediatric surgery
A1  - Hyak, Jonathan M.
A1  - Todd, Hannah
A1  - Rubalcava, Daniel M.
A1  - Vogel, Adam M.
A1  - Fallon, Sara
A1  - Naik-Mathuria, Bindi
SP  - ePub
EP  - ePub
VL  - ePub
IS  - ePub
N2  - 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>
LA  - en
SN  - 0022-3468
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2020.02.010
ID  - ref1
ER  -