Impalement Injuries of the Pediatric Craniofacial Skeleton With Retained Foreign Bodies

Abstract

Penetrating trauma to the pediatric craniofacial skeleton, though uncommon, often presents a diagnostic and management dilemma in emergency departments and trauma centers because of the variety and complexity of potential injuries, some of which can be life-threatening. A study of all pediatric trauma patients over a 15-year period shows that the incidence of this type of injury is approximately 1% to 2%. 1 Therefore it is very likely that otolaryngologists, maxillofacial surgeons, and emergency department physicians, especially those working in tertiary referral centers, will encounter these patients.