Puncture Wounds
Puncture wounds are common in the foot. These wounds are small entry holes caused by a pointed object, such as a nail, or needle. Puncture wounds require different treatment compared to cuts, or scraps, as these may involve deeper structures of the foot. Proper treatment within the first 24 hours is important, as foreign objects can be retained in the body, and infection can result. According to a research, complications can be averted if treatment is provided right after the accident.
All puncture wounds are dirty wounds because they involve the penetration of an object that is not sterile. The dirtier the penetrating object, the higher the chance of infection. Puncture wounds can be caused by a variety of materials, ranging from glass, insulin needles, to toothpicks, and seashells. If these objects are lodged in the skin or body, it is referred to as a foreign object. It is important to have the foreign object removed.
Diagnosis:
A detailed history and physical exam can provide much needed information for the diagnosis and treatment. Usually, the deeper the penetration, the more likely that an complication such as infection will develop. Furthermore, injuries to deeper structures such as bones, tendons, blood vessels, and joints can result. For assessment of deep tissue injuries, imagine such as X- ray and other advanced imaging modalities may be ordered.
Treatment:
Puncture wounds should be assessed by a physician and receive treatment within 24 hours if possible. A tetanus shot might be necessary if the patient’s tetanus status is not up to date. Tetanus is an infection caused by a bacteria, often through an external wound, that causes lockjaw (tetanus). Once assessed, puncture wounds need to be cleansed properly, and monitored carefully during the healing process.
If a retained foreign body is noted during examination, removal of the foreign body is required. This can be done bedside, or in a surgical setting. If deep tissue injury resulted from the penetrating injury, such as lacerated tendon, surgery might be warranted for repair. Due to concern regarding infection, antibiotics may be prescribed.
Puncture wounds are common in the foot. These wounds are small entry holes caused by a pointed object, such as a nail, or needle. Puncture wounds require different treatment compared to cuts, or scraps, as these may involve deeper structures of the foot. Proper treatment within the first 24 hours is important, as foreign objects can be retained in the body, and infection can result. According to a research, complications can be averted if treatment is provided right after the accident.
All puncture wounds are dirty wounds because they involve the penetration of an object that is not sterile. The dirtier the penetrating object, the higher the chance of infection. Puncture wounds can be caused by a variety of materials, ranging from glass, insulin needles, to toothpicks, and seashells. If these objects are lodged in the skin or body, it is referred to as a foreign object. It is important to have the foreign object removed.
Diagnosis:
A detailed history and physical exam can provide much needed information for the diagnosis and treatment. Usually, the deeper the penetration, the more likely that an complication such as infection will develop. Furthermore, injuries to deeper structures such as bones, tendons, blood vessels, and joints can result. For assessment of deep tissue injuries, imagine such as X- ray and other advanced imaging modalities may be ordered.
Treatment:
Puncture wounds should be assessed by a physician and receive treatment within 24 hours if possible. A tetanus shot might be necessary if the patient’s tetanus status is not up to date. Tetanus is an infection caused by a bacteria, often through an external wound, that causes lockjaw (tetanus). Once assessed, puncture wounds need to be cleansed properly, and monitored carefully during the healing process.
If a retained foreign body is noted during examination, removal of the foreign body is required. This can be done bedside, or in a surgical setting. If deep tissue injury resulted from the penetrating injury, such as lacerated tendon, surgery might be warranted for repair. Due to concern regarding infection, antibiotics may be prescribed.