Arrow injury through the floor of the mouth – How to proceed

Abstract

Although traditional arrow injuries are relatively rare nowadays, we occasionally come across such injuries being reported from remote areas. With the increase in recreational activities with modern arrows in the contemporary era, we should expect arrow injuries even in the urban population. Arrow injuries are managed in a similar manner to other penetrating injuries. Although arrow injuries in different parts of the body have been reported, arrow injury through the floor of the mouth is relatively rare. We describe a case of arrow injury where the arrow entered the floor of the mouth and emerged through the side of the neck posing difficulty in positioning, ventilation and intubation. Proximity to important structures in the neck also contributed to the rarity of this presentation.