Clinical Considerations in Initial Evaluation and Treatment of Hardhead Catfish Spine Puncture Wounds. (9th March 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gordon, Hannah; Cousins, Benjamin J.; Newberry, Mark A.; Farcy, David A.
• Other Names: Exadaktylos Aristomenis K. Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Case reports in emergency medicine. Volume 2021(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-03-09
• Subjects: Emergency medicine -- Periodicals; Emergency Medicine; Emergency medicine; Periodicals; Periodicals; Case Reports; Fulltext; Internet Resources; Periodicals; 616.025
• DOI: 10.1155/2021/8841234
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2090-648X

Abstract

Abstract : A 17-year-old male presented to our ED complaining of pain and swelling at the base of the first metacarpal after attempting to remove a catfish from his fishing line 12 hours prior to arrival. Radiographic images demonstrated a foreign body (FB), which was detectable by ultrasound. Hand surgery was consulted and took the patient to the operating room for exploration and removal of two serrated radiopaque catfish spines that were deeply embedded in the left thumb. Conclusion . Penetrating injury from hardhead catfish ( Ariopsis felis ) spines can cause hidden FB, envenomation, infection, and secondary damage to nearby structures. Imaging should be done for these patients to ensure they obtain timely and complete extraction of the venomous structures. Surgery should be consulted for operative management to avoid damage on removal of the catfish spine remnants.