A Review of Arrow Shot Injuries to the Head and Neck in Northeastern Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Arrow shot injuries remained rampant in developing countries. Involvement of the head and neck region is not uncommon and poses a significant management challenge due to the presence of so many vital structures within a relatively small anatomic region.

Objective: To review the pattern of arrow shot injuries to the head and neck region that presented to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) in Northeastern Nigeria.

Method: This is a retrospective review of patients who presented with arrow shot injuries involving the head and neck region, to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria between January 2009 and December 2019.

Result: All the thirty patients studied were males. The mean age was 32.2±SD14.4 (range 8-60 years), the peak age group affected was 11-20 years. The majority (83.4%) are 40 years and below. The main reasons for the attacks were terrorism due to Boko haram (40%), cattle rustling (30%), and herdsmen/farmers clashes (20%). Affected sites were the neck (46.7%), the orbit (20%), and the nose (10%). Patient had wound exploration and arrow extraction, debridement, evisceration of the globe, fronto-ethmoidectomy, medial maxillectomy, and vascular repair as the case may be.

Conclusion: Arrow shot injuries still exist in our society and may involve the head and neck region leading to significant management challenges. Priority should be given to adequate resuscitation and airway management especially in unstable patients. Appropriate and timely intervention is necessary for a good outcome.