ABSTRACT

This report illustrates a rare maxillofacial injury by spear gun that can cause mortality and morbidity. It’s important to know how to intervene such a patient. He was conscious and oriented when he administered to the emergency department (ED), his respiration and circulation was stable. Three pronged spear was stuck into left malar region. Computed tomography was performed before manipulation of spear gun and no neurovascular penetration was determined. The external part of the spear gun was cut out by a hydraulic cutter to facilitate patient’s intubation. The lower fragment of the harpoon was removed in ED. The rest of the spear was removed in operation room under general anesthesia. The patient healed with no deficit and discharged three days after operation.

Spear guns are very dangerous equipment that children can easily access. Management of cases can be different according to the different kind of spear guns. This case demonstrates management to the spear gun injuries in ED.

Keywords: Spear gun, maxillofacial, children, trauma, emergency