Plantar puncture wounds: a survey to determine the incidence of infection.

OBJECTIVE To determine the incidence of plantar puncture wound infections. METHODS Ambulatory emergency patients were surveyed with regard to a previous history of plantar puncture wounds and any subsequent infections. RESULTS 200 questionnaires were analysed. Forty four percent of respondents had previously sustained at least one plantar puncture wound. Of 156 wounds, 79 (50%) came to the attention of a physician. There were 10 infections, nine of which were seen by a physician. Counting only those wounds seen by a physician, the apparent infection rate in the study population is 11.4%. When all wounds are included, the infection rate is 6.4%. CONCLUSIONS The infection rate of plantar puncture wounds is lower than most studies report because many wounds with a benign outcome never come to medical attention. Recommendations for treatment of fresh puncture wounds in the emergency department should be evaluated in light of this infection rate.