Arrow Injuries in Eastern Odisha; A Series of 13 Cases

Abstract

Background: Although gunshot injuries are the most common penetrating injuries in the developed world, this finding is not the case in the developing world, where knives, spears, arrows, and machetes are the preferred weapons, particularly in tribal societies. Arrow injuries are an extinct form of injuries in most of the developed countries but constitutes 0.1% of the emergency admissions in the developing world. Arrow injuries are frequently seen in tribal areas of Odisha region with homemade bows and arrow. The aim is to study the incidence, various modes of presentation, management and outcome in patients with arrow injuries . Methods: A retrospective review and analysis of patient records was done over a period a period of 3 years from April 2013 to May 2016. The injuries sustained are divided into four groups for the purpose of study. The management depended on the group of the patient. Results: Of the 13 patients of arrow injury treated at our hospital there was death of 1 patient (7.69%). The causes of mortality were found to be haemorrhagic shock and septicaemia. Conclusion: The commonest complication was wound infection seen in 2 patients.