Catfish Puncture Wound and Retained Spine Management in the ED Setting: A Case Report.

Authors

Spencer J Carbone
Jennifer Jozefick, Department of Emergency Medicine, Reading Hospital-Tower Health, West Reading, PA, USAFollow
Adam Sigal, Department of Emergency Medicine, Reading Hospital-Tower Health, West Reading, PA, USAFollow
Robert Nordell, Department of Emergency Medicine, Reading Hospital-Tower Health, West Reading, PA, USAFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

12-2024

Abstract

Fishing is a common recreational activity in the United States, with over 29 million registered fishers. Although not inherently dangerous, commonly seen injuries from fishing include embedded fishhooks and injury from flora and fauna. Emergency department (ED) physicians need a basic understanding of how to treat these less-than-frequent injuries. We present a case report of a patient who presented with a catfish spine lodged in her leg. These spines not only cause puncture wounds but can result in lacerations and venom release as well. Our patient presented 6 hours after the initial injury for spine removal and symptom management. Plain radiographs of the affected extremity demonstrated a 2 cm foreign body consistent with a catfish spine. The wound was expanded, and the spine successfully removed. The patient was discharged on levofloxacin and reported a healing wound without complications nearly 2 weeks after the injury.

Publication Title

Wilderness & environmental medicine

Volume

35

Issue

4

First Page

474

Last Page

478

Recommended Citation

Carbone, S., Jozefick, J., Sigal, A., & Nordell, R. (2024). Catfish Puncture Wound and Retained Spine Management in the ED Setting: A Case Report.. Wilderness & environmental medicine, 35 (4), 474-478. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1177/10806032241273505