Kinetic Impact Projectiles and Craniofacial Trauma: A Case Series and Literature Review

Kinetic impact projectiles (KIPs), also known as non-lethal projectiles, are crowd-control methods considered to be less harmful than traditional ammunition. KIPs have been used worldwide by law enforcement in crowd-control settings, and most recently used during the social justice protests that ensued following the death of George Floyd during the summer of 2020. Possible injuries from KIPs are broad, ranging from minor to severe and life-threatening injuries, and include both blunt and penetrative trauma throughout the body. Past reports on KIP trauma have not included detailed references to the craniofacial region. We present 4 patients who suffered craniofacial trauma secondary to KIP injury with both acute and chronic sequelae. While KIPs are considered non-lethal weapons, this limited series demonstrates the range of severe, and even life-threatening, injuries due to KIPs that craniofacial surgeons may encounter.