Penetrating arrow injuries of the head-and-neck region: Case series and review of literature

Abstract

Penetrating arrow injuries of the head‑and‑neck region are rare in the developed countries, but they are common in the rural communities of our country. Arrow shot to the head‑and‑neck region can be life‑threatening due to the presence of major vessels and vital organs. Management
of arrow injury to the head‑and‑neck region is seriously challenging, extraction of the arrows are usually difficult due to the proximity to vital structures, unskilled removal may worsen the existing injury or result in inadvertent damage to the vital structures. We presented the four cases of arrow shot to the head‑and‑neck region, three were managed successfully, and one was brought in dead probably due to attempt at the removal at home or poisonous nature of the arrow. Therefore, the aim of this report is to highlight our experience and challenges in the management of penetrating arrow injuries to head‑and‑neck region and to review some literature reports.