Abstract
Objective
This survey aimed at identifying the characteristics of plantar puncture injury in our locality.
Methods
This was a prospective consecutive case study. All patients presenting with plantar puncture injury were recruited and the characteristics of the injury were documented.
Results
64 patients (M: 50; F:14) suffering from plantar puncture injury were recruited from 1st July 1998 to 30th November 1998. Forty nine (76.6%) cases involved metallic nails and 40 (62.5%) cases occurred in construction site. Forefoot and hindfoot were the parts where injuries were usually found. There were signs suggestive of infection in 10 patients (15.6%) on presentation. No bone infection was found. The patients were prescribed 3 days of prophylactic or a full course of therapeutic antibiotics. Fourteen patients (22%) turned up for follow up after one week and no infective complications were identified.
Conclusions
Serious complications due to plantar puncture injury were uncommon in our group of subjects. Plantar puncture injuries were most prevalent at construction sites. Construction site workers should be better educated in the occupational protection and first aid of such injuries.