title: ED approach to electrical toothbrush associated hand injury, a unique case of non-oropharyngeal injury.
abstract: Puncture wounds are common injuries treated in the emergency department (ED). Prior studies have shown that toothbrushes are common reservoirs for oral flora, especially in regions near the head of the toothbrush near the bristles. ED providers must be aware of the danger associated with bacterial contamination of the associated wound and should be familiar with different pathogens and options for treatment. We present a unique case of a 30-year-old male with non-intraoral injury who presented to the ED after puncturing his left palm with the metal post of an electric toothbrush.
authors.affiliation: Department of Emergency Medicine, George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States. Electronic address: nsikka@mfa.gwu.edu.
authors.forename: Neal
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Sikka
authors.affiliation: Department of Emergency Medicine, George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States.
authors.forename: Hannah
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Robinson
authors.affiliation: Department of Emergency Medicine, George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States.
authors.forename: Chimere
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Little
authors.affiliation: Department of Emergency Medicine, George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States.
authors.forename: Ali
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pourmand
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003742:Dental Devices, Home Care / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000382:microbiology; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D006230:Hand Injuries / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D007507:Therapeutic Irrigation / Q000379:methods*; D014099:Toothbrushing / Q000295:instrumentation; D014946:Wound Infection / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014950:Wounds, Penetrating / Q000628:therapy*
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents