Overview

• In March, nine-year-old Gus Deterding fell on a youth bow and arrow in his Alexandria driveway, impaling his brain.
• He was initially treated locally and then airlifted to Children’s Minnesota before scans revealed the injury’s full extent.
• Doctors led by Dr. Ken Maslonka were astonished that Gus, who had removed the arrow himself, showed no immediate neurological deficits.
• After months of observation, he has returned to playing hockey and baseball at his pre-injury level.
• Experts advise thorough medical evaluation for head wounds and caution when children handle archery equipment.