Will This Eventually Work Its Way Out If It Is Present? Does A More Active Intervention Need To Occur Surgery?
Posted on
Sun, 26 Jul 2020
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Mon, 27 Jul 2020
Answered on
Thu, 14 Aug 2025
Last reviewed on
Question : I impaled my right index finger between the first and second joint, palm side, with a large splinter from construction lumber. It went very deep and the finger bled copiously when I pull the large long splinter out. Three days later, the whole finger was angry, red, hot and swollen. Ten days of antibiotics calmed it down but 4 weeks later, it is still sore, swollen and warm. I assume there is a remnant of the splinter remains. My question is how would you recommend I proceed? I know that wood doesn’t image with xray. Will this eventually work its way out if it is present? Does a more active intervention need to occur (surgery)? Perhaps the splinter doesn’t exist and this some type of ongoing reaction? Any comments about possible progression and/or actions needed would be welcome.
Brief Answer:
Answer
Detailed Answer:
Hi there
Thanks for the query
Infection is a possibility and could be due to a retained splinter or unhealed wound.
It would be best to get a blood test for complete blood count and CRP to look for infection. Also an xray can show foreign body like splinter in some instances.
I hope I have answered your query.
I will be available to answer your follow up queries.
Regards,
Aashish Raghu
Answer
Detailed Answer:
Hi there
Thanks for the query
Infection is a possibility and could be due to a retained splinter or unhealed wound.
It would be best to get a blood test for complete blood count and CRP to look for infection. Also an xray can show foreign body like splinter in some instances.
I hope I have answered your query.
I will be available to answer your follow up queries.
Regards,
Aashish Raghu
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng
Answered by
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