An unusual case of leg wound made by a Sea Shell (Scapharca inaequivalis)

Abstract

Introduction: Most of beaches tend to have a lot of shells and other sharp objects that might hurt you while you're walking on the beach. Cuts, particularly on the bottom of feet, are common at the beach. In this article we want to present a rare case of a little girl with a knee wound made by a seashell, while playing in the water.

Case presentation: A 9-year-old female patient was presented to the ER with a left knee injury because of a penetrating Scapharca inaequivalis. Since this type of trauma is considered a surgical emergency, taking a thorough history along with careful examination to find out the mechanism and cause of the trauma is crucial towards correct diagnosis and management of the disease. The patient underwent a local surgical procedure to remove the foreign body. Interestingly, the seashell (Scapharca inaequivalis) pinned her left knee in water.

Conclusions: Through this article we want to draw attention to the puncture wounds and cuts caused by sea shells. The particuliarity lies in the fact that the sea shells injuries can be made both in water and on the sand. One main concern with cuts on the feet is risk of infection, especially with diabetic patients.

Keywords: Foreign body; Leg injury; Scapharca inaequivalis; Shell.