Endoscopic pediatric endonasal retrieval of transorbital projectile: An illustrative multimedia report

Air guns, particularly BB (ball-bearing or bullet ball) guns, have gained significant power and velocity over the last few decades. More than 145,000 pediatric patients suffered injuries attributed to air guns in the United States between 2001 and 2011, and approximately 22,000 pediatric emergency department visits are attributed to air gun-related injuries annually (Hyak et al., 2020 [1]). This study aims to describe an effective surgical technique in addressing maxillofacial injuries caused by BB gun projectiles in the pediatric population. We present a detailed surgical approach for endoscopic endonasal retrieval of a transorbital projectile in a 13-year-old male who sustained a maxillofacial BB gun injury, with the goal of restoring sinonasal function in a minimally invasive fashion.

Automated summary

Air guns, especially BB guns, have become more powerful and faster in recent decades. A large number of pediatric patients in the United States require medical treatment due to injuries caused by air guns. This study describes an effective surgical technique for treating maxillofacial injuries caused by BB gun projectiles in children.