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Pediatric Otolaryngology

(022) Airgun Safety: A 20-Year Analysis of Injuries in Pediatric Patients

Monday, October 2, 2023
2:45 PM – 3:45 PM East Coast USA Time
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    Presenting Author(s)

  • David Alexander Riccio, BS

    Medical Student
    Jacob's School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo
    Buffalo, NY, United States

    • Co-Author(s)

  • Lauren A. DiNardo, BS

    Medical Student
    Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo
    Buffalo, New York, United States

  • Douglas P. Nanu, BS

    Medical Student
    Washington State University Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine
    SPOKANE, WA, United States

  • Francesca C. Viola, MD

    Resident
    Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo
    Niagara Falls, New York, United States

    • Senior Author(s)

  • Michele M. Carr, DDS MD PhD

    Professor
    Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo
    Williamsville, NY, United States

Disclosure(s):
David Alexander Riccio, BS: No relevant relationships to disclose.
Lauren A. DiNardo, BS: No relevant relationships to disclose.
Douglas P. Nanu, BS: No relevant relationships to disclose.
Francesca C. Viola, MD: No relevant relationships to disclose.


Introduction: Airguns are thought to be a safer alternative to conventional firearms. Our study aims to assess if recent safety recommendations and advisories have led to reduced injuries associated with airguns.

Methods: An analysis using the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) database was performed from 2002 to 2021 for head and neck injuries related to BB, pellet, and airsoft firearms in patients ranging from 0-19 years old. The analysis was performed for gender, age, diagnosis, injury location, patient disposition, and annual frequency.

Results: A total of 1,658 injuries to the head and neck region as a result of BB, pellet, and airsoft guns were identified. Males were injured most frequently (83.4%, N=1,382). Mean age of injured children was 11.6 +/- 4.3 years old. The most frequent injuries sustained were retained foreign bodies (51.5%, N=853), puncture wounds (13.6%, N=225), and contusion/abrasions (10.1%, N=167). 889 (47.9%) were facial injuries including eyelids, 376 (20.2%) were head/scalp injuries. Patients were most commonly treated and released (90.5%, N=1,500) from the emergency department, requiring no further intervention. There were no fatalities. There were no gender differences in injury location, type, location of the accident, or disposition. Overall, the frequency of injuries per year decreased from 2002 (N=104) to 2021 (N=42) (p < .001).

Conclusions: The number of head and neck injuries related to BB, pellet, and airsoft guns is decreasing over the past 20 years, but it still poses a significant source of injuries in children.