Introduction

Penetrating trauma accounts for a small percentage of pediatric injury but results in significant morbidity and mortality. The mainstays of evaluation and treatment are very similar to adult management although the severity of injury is often more profound. This topic has a specific focus on the unique epidemiology that results in these unfortunate injuries in children with attention toward operative and nonoperative management. Subtopics will address the most commonly injured organ systems including head and neck, thoracic and mediastinal , abdominal, pelvic and flank and extremity injury.