Penetrating abdominal air gun injuries: pitfalls in recognition and management.

Emergency health care providers often underestimate the potential for pellet and BB guns to inflict life-threatening penetrating injuries. We present four children with intraabdominal injuries caused by air guns and summarize the characteristics of 12 similar cases reported in the literature. In the context of injury potential, the epidemiology of air gun injuries and the mechanical characteristics of air guns are reviewed. In addition, we suggest a general approach to the triage and management of children with air gun-inflicted abdominal wounds. Finally, preventive strategies are discussed.