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My left ankle got a wooden splinter. Can it cause tetanus?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I have a wooden splinter in my left ankle. While I was trying to get up from a wooden deck, my left ankle scraped on the wooden deck, and a wood splinter got in my ankle. It did not go in vertically, but it went in horizontally across the skin. I have attached a picture of the wound after I managed to take the bigger piece out. It is only bleeding a little after I took the big piece out, and as you can see, there is still a smaller piece left in there. So, I went to a doctor, and the doctor managed to take all the pieces out with a local anesthetic. The doctor opened up the wound, and there was some bleeding, the wound is now covered with gauze. I asked the doctor whether there is any risk of tetanus, as I have not had a tetanus shot in more than ten years. I do not like the idea of having the vaccination and their possible side effects. The doctor said it should be fine without one, as it is not a deep puncture and the wooden deck does not have any rust. But I would like a second opinion, as I am quite worried about tetanus.

Answered by Dr. Sagar Ramesh Makode

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Sagar Ramesh Makode is a Consultant Cardiologist dedicated to diagnosing and managing various heart conditions with precision and care. He focuses on improving cardiovascular health through advanced treatments and preventive strategies. With expertise in providing personalized care, he strives to support patients in achieving better heart health, enhancing their quality of life, and reducing the risk of future cardiac complications.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have seen the attached picture (attachment removed to protect patient identity). The wound is small, but there is certainly a small risk of tetanus. It is not only rusty objects that lead to tetanus, but the spores of this bacteria are even in soil and wood. I would advise getting a tetanus vaccination.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At May 4, 2017
Reviewed At April 18, 2024

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Sagar Ramesh Makode is a Consultant Cardiologist dedicated to diagnosing and managing various heart conditions with precision and care. He focuses on improving cardiovascular health through advanced treatments and preventive strategies. With expertise in providing personalized care, he strives to support patients in achieving better heart health, enhancing their quality of life, and reducing the risk of future cardiac complications.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Sagar Ramesh Makode is a Consultant Cardiologist dedicated to diagnosing and managing various heart conditions with precision and care. He focuses on improving cardiovascular health through advanced treatments and preventive strategies. With expertise in providing personalized care, he strives to support patients in achieving better heart health, enhancing their quality of life, and reducing the risk of future cardiac complications.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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