Sea Urchin Spine Injuries of the Hand

Abstract

Sea urchin spine injuries are common. They usually cause local pain and swelling that subsides. Chronic granulation is rare. We report two cases of sea urchin granulomata involving finger metacarpophalangeal joints. Both resolved following surgery.

Histopathologic and immunohistochemical features of sea urchin granulomas

“…Most reports of sea urchin granuloma of the skin are isolated cases and only a large series of 50 cases is available in the medical literature …”

Removal of Sea Urchin Spines Using Erbıum-Doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet Ablatıon

“…The spines may contain histamine, serotonin, glycosides, corticosteroids, cholinergic agents, and bradykininlike substances. [2][3][4]7,8,[10][11][12] Management of these complications requires surgical intervention, which is difficult and painful for patients. 4,7 If more than 15 to 20 spines have penetrated, systemic symptoms may develop, such as nausea, vomiting, paresthesia, generalized weakness, and respiratory distress.…”

“…6,8,9 Although most of the spines are nonpoisonous, retained spines may cause some complications, including granulomas, arthritis, synovitis, and neuroma, after a certain period. [2][3][4]7,8,[10][11][12] Management of these complications requires surgical intervention, which is difficult and painful for patients. To avoid these delayed complications, the spines must be removed as early as possible using conservative treatment modalities, such as pulling out by tweezers or applying salicylic acid plasters.…”

Surgical Implications of Preoperative Sonographic Localization of Sea Urchin Spine Foreign Bodies

“…Contact with the toxins from the venomous spines can cause extreme pain and a burning sensation that may radiate up the arm as well as erythema and inflammation at the puncture site 4 . Proteins present on the epithelial covering of the spine may also cause symptoms even if the sea urchin is not venomous 6 . Systemic reactions after injury include nausea, vomiting, hypotension, weakness, paresthesia, and respiratory distress 4 , 6 .…”

“…Proteins present on the epithelial covering of the spine may also cause symptoms even if the sea urchin is not venomous 6 . Systemic reactions after injury include nausea, vomiting, hypotension, weakness, paresthesia, and respiratory distress 4 , 6 . Visible spines may be removed at the time of injury, which may bring an end to the local reaction 4 .…”