Fish vaccine injection injuries of the hand

Br J Plast Surg. 2005 Jun;58(4):547-9. doi: 10.1016/j.bjps.2004.10.025.

Abstract

High pressure injection of oil-based substances can cause devastating injuries of the hand and the necessity for urgent surgical debridement has been well established. We present three cases of injection injury caused by vaccines used in the fish farming industry. Patients presented with pain, swelling and lymphangitis. The marked vascular changes often associated with such injuries were absent. All patients were treated with intravenous antibiotics combined with early surgical debridement and irrigation. We report full recovery in all three patients.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Accidents, Occupational*
  • Adult
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Debridement
  • Female
  • Finger Injuries / etiology
  • Finger Injuries / therapy*
  • Fisheries*
  • Humans
  • Lymphangitis / etiology
  • Male
  • Needlestick Injuries / etiology
  • Needlestick Injuries / therapy*
  • Pressure
  • Therapeutic Irrigation
  • Vaccines*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Vaccines