Background: Though penetrating arrow injuries are a rarity in the West, they are still seen frequently among the tribal population of India. This study was performed with the aim of documenting the clinical profile of injuries caused by arrows, the varied modes of clinical presentation and their management at a university hospital.
Methods: A retrospective study of indoor records of 70 patients admitted over a period of 5 years at the Sir Sayajirao General Hospital (SSGH), Baroda, Gujarat, India, was carried out.
Results: A majority of patients were males (n=67), the median age being 36 years. The median delay in presentation to the hospital was 11 h. Median TRISS score was 98.2%. There were three mortalities. Major wound infection (n=1), intestinal fistula (n=1) and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (n=2) were the noteworthy complications.
Conclusion: Arrow injury and its astute management is still relevant in this century. Delay in treatment and a poor TRISS score adversely affects survival. Optimal exploration, adequate mobilisation, minimising haemorrhage and repair are the building blocks of successful treatment.