Catfish Noodling Forearm Injury Requiring Urgent Surgical Treatment: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Abstract

"Noodling" is an ancient form of hand fishing recently gaining in popularity as a hobby and sport. We present one of the first case reports of a noodling injury in an adolescent male seeking to land a large catfish, and also review the literature on catfish-related injuries.

Freshwater Catfish Envenoming in a Tropical Country

“…9 The signs and symptoms associated with catfish stings in our study were less debilitating when compared with reports from other parts of the world. The more serious injuries reported by others include deep lacerations, 17 ulnar nerve damage, 19 or radial artery damage. 21 Stinging catfish are comparatively smaller than aforementioned catfishes ( 17,19 Complications, such as abscess and tenosynovitis, were observed in all delayed presentations.…”

“…The more serious injuries reported by others include deep lacerations, 17 ulnar nerve damage, 19 or radial artery damage. 21 Stinging catfish are comparatively smaller than aforementioned catfishes ( 17,19 Complications, such as abscess and tenosynovitis, were observed in all delayed presentations. There were previous reports of delayed presentation.…”

Man with hand injury

“…It is practiced throughout the southern United States and has gained popularity as a hobby and sport. Lacerations, tendon injuries, and drownings are reported from noodling, 1,2 and puncture wounds, infections, and envenomations are seen with catfish exposures. 3,4 Fractures of the fourth metacarpal make up about 6% of all hand…”

Aquatic Orthopaedic Injuries

“…Retained spines can be removed with gentle traction; however, if the spine is unable to be removed or is not able to be removed in entirety, surgical excision is necessary. 36,37 All wounds should be examined in the outpatient setting within a week because local necrosis or infection can occur. As outlined previously, 37 antibiotic prophylaxis should be given based on saltwater or freshwater exposure.…”

“…36 Venom varies by species but can have hemolytic, dermonecrotic, inflammatory, or vasoconstrictive effects, although symptoms are usually limited to intense pain and swelling, with systemic symptoms being exceedingly rare. 37 Hot water immersion can help mitigate symptoms of envenomization. Typically, the wounds are minor and affect the hands of those handling catfish or feet of those who inadvertently step on them.…”