Injuries from piercing or cutting instruments or objects are commonly seen in 
the pediatric emergency department. In this study, we present the epidemiology 
of piercing injuries resulting in hospitalization. Medical records for a 
one-year period with E-codes 920.0-920.9 were reviewed for victim-related 
demographic data, anatomic injury location, vehicle of injury, treatment, and 
hospital charges. The Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) was used to ascertain 
injury severity. The most common vehicles of injury were glass (n = 24, 34%), 
nails (n = 11, 16%), and needles (n = 10, 14%). The median AIS score was 
significantly higher for hand injuries compared to the sample median AIS. 
Piercing injuries from consumer-related products were associated with the 
highest AIS scores (median = 2.5). Although the mean AIS for all injuries was 
only 1.5, these injuries resulted in significant costs, with a mean 
hospitalization charge of $3884 +/- 3528. Surgical procedures under general 
anesthesia were required in 81% of the patients.