Penetrating trauma in the pediatric patient

Penetrating trauma in the pediatric patient represents a small percentage of all traumatic injuries. However, the morbidity and mortalitya, as well as the overall costs for short- and long-term care, move this type of injury to the forefront of the emergency physician's attention. The injure circumstances significantly impacts the outcome, with firearm injuries producing a greater degree of injury to more body areas than any other penetrating mechanism. No body region is immune to penetrating injury, although some hear a higher risk for serious injury than others do. Care of penetrating injuries follows the same resuscitation algorithm as for all other types of trauma, although there must be increased awareness of circulatory problems and wound management. Finally, in contrast to blunt injuries, surgical management is more frequently required for the definitive care of the patient.