Citation

Dandu KV, Carniol ET, Sanghvi S, Baredes S, Eloy JA. Otolaryngol. Head Neck Surg. 2017; 156(5): 853-856.

Affiliation

Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Foundation, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/0194599817695546

PMID

28457218

Abstract

OBJECTIVES Firearms have an enduring and visible presence within American culture. However, the public health impact of nonpowder firearms and other "toy" guns has not been fully studied. These guns-including BB guns (ie, ball bearing), paintball guns, and pellet guns-are typically marketed to a younger audience. The objective of this study is to analyze head and neck injuries related to nonpowder firearms. Study Design Cross-sectional analysis of a national database. Setting Academic medical center. Subjects and Methods The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System was queried for head and neck injuries involving nonpowder guns, including air, BB, and pellet guns, and associated ammunition. Analysis of age, sex, incidence, injury location, and diagnosis was performed.

RESULTS From 2005 to 2014, there were 1695 cases recorded, or 55,060 estimated emergency room visits, due to injuries related to nonpowder guns and fired ammunition. The majority of patients were male (80.9%). These injuries were most common in children 6 to 12 years of age (37.9%), followed by those 13 to 18 years old (27.1%) and adults (≥19 years old; 17.8%), while preschool children (0-5 years) represented 17.2%. The most common injury diagnosis was penetrating foreign body (34.9%), followed by lacerations (24.3%) and contusions/abrasions (13.7%).

CONCLUSION Nonpowder and other nonlethal firearm-related injuries to the head and neck region are a frequent source of emergency room visits nationally. Safety measures and public education on a mainstream level are required.

Language: en

Keywords

NEISS; National Electronic Injury Surveillance System; air rifle; airsoft gun; ball-bearing gun; consumer product; facial fracture; facial trauma; firearms; nonpowder firearm