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Toy Guns, Real Danger: An Update on Pediatric Injury Patterns Related to Nonpowder Weapons
Robert J McLoughlin1, Alyssa Stetson2, Jonathan Green1
1University of Massachusetts Medical School, Department of Surgery, Worcester, MA.
Insights
Nonpowder gun injuries in children are serious, often requiring surgery and causing lasting harm like blindness. These weapons are not toys and access should be limited.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Trauma
- Injury Prevention
- Public Health
Background:
- Nonpowder guns, including BB and air guns, have evolved, increasing their injury potential.
- Characterizing pediatric injuries from these weapons is crucial for prevention and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the demographics of children injured by nonpowder weapons.
- To identify the types of injuries sustained by pediatric victims of nonpowder weapons.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional analysis of the Kids' Inpatient Database (2006, 2009, 2012).
- Identification of air gun injuries using external cause of injury codes.
- Analysis of patient demographics and injury types using ICD-9 codes and national estimates.
Main Results:
- 1028 pediatric admissions for nonpowder weapon injuries.
- Victims were predominantly male (87.0%), non-Hispanic white (52.3%), from the South (47.3%), and low-income (39.2%).
- Common injuries included open wounds (40.3%), contusions (22.5%), intracranial injury (9.1%), and blindness (3.3%); 50% required major surgery.
Conclusions:
- Nonpowder weapons cause severe, lasting injuries in children, including paralysis and blindness.
- These injuries frequently necessitate surgical intervention, highlighting that these weapons are not toys.
- Legislation and further research are needed to restrict children's access to nonpowder weapons.
Background:
Design changes of nonpowder guns, including BB and air guns, have significantly increased their potential to injure. We sought to characterize the demographics of children injured with nonpowder weapons and the specific injuries suffered.
Methods:
A cross-sectional analysis of the study years 2006, 2009, and 2012 was performed by combining the Kids' Inpatient Database into a single dataset. We identified cases (age < 21 years) of air gun injuries using external cause of injury codes. Patient characteristics and injuries were analyzed using ICD-9 codes, and national estimates were obtained using case weighting.
Results:
There were 1028 pediatric admissions for nonpowder weapon related injuries. The victims were predominately male (87.0%), non-Hispanic white (52.3%), resided in the South (47.3%), and in the lowest income quartile (39.2%). Half required a major surgical procedure. The predominant injuries were open wounds to the head, neck, or trunk (40.3%), and contusion (22.5%). Notable other injuries were intracranial injury (9.1%) and blindness or vision defects (3.3%).
Conclusions:
The nonpowder weapons available to this generation can paralyze, blind, and cause lasting injury to children. Injuries frequently require surgical intervention, and these weapons should no longer be considered toys. Further research and legislation should be aimed at limiting children's access to these weapons.
Level Of Evidence:
III.
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