Lawn dart injury in children: report of two cases

Two cases of intracranial penetration by lawn darts are presented in this report. Both patients were children who developed infectious sequelae following primary closure of cutaneous puncture wounds. These injuries suggest that the darts produced a high-energy impact force that resulted in skull fractures and focal cerebral injury. When children present with puncture wounds or lacerations produced by lawn darts, intracranial penetration must be ruled out, using appropriate medical imaging. Parents should be advised regarding the need for medical reassessment should fever, headache, or local signs of infection occur.