Puncture wounds to the foot

Puncture wounds to the foot are common presenting problems in most busy emergency departments. Although seemingly benign, the sequelae after simple puncture wounds to the foot can include cellulitis, retained foreign bodies, or even osteomyelitis. Inadequate scientific research on this topic has left only anecdotal or retrospective reports for review in the medical literature. Antibiotics, radiographs, or surgical exploration in the management of puncture wounds to the foot all lack clinical studies to support their use. This review summarizes the literature and points to the inconsistencies in the management of puncture wounds to the foot.