ABSTRACT
Fatal injuries from projectiles discharged from “air” powered weapons are exceedingly uncommon. Nonlethal injury is more commonly seen in patients presenting to the emergency department or general practitioner. The injury from a .177 cal. pellet impact is generally of little consequence to the victim. The penetration is often minimal; common sites include the limbs, buttocks, and occasionally the trunk. In many cases, local anesthesia only is required for extraction of the pellet. These injuries range from superficial trauma to the skin, subcutaneous tissues, and musculature to more serious injuries involving the face, neck, and eyes.
