An unusual surgical emergency: A knee joint wound caused by a needlefish

Abstract

The authors report the case of a knee joint wound caused by a needlefish of the Belonid type, or "Orphie." This observation is one of a series of 10 traumas reported over the past few years with this dangerous fish that resides in the New Caledonian lagoon. The authors show the importance of a thorough clinical examination of the patient and, more especially, the importance of the radiological opacity of the foreign body, which is essential for diagnosis. Our experience with this type of wound in articular disorders leads us to recommend arthroscopic treatment combined with intraoperative radiological control. This method is to assure the total exeresis of the foreign body whose sepsis would irremediably cause serious acute arthritis.