RT Book, Section A1 Quinn, James A2 Tintinalli, Judith E. A2 Ma, O. John A2 Yealy, Donald M. A2 Meckler, Garth D. A2 Stapczynski, J. Stephan A2 Cline, David M. A2 Thomas, Stephen H. SR Print(0) ID 1166531105 T1 Puncture Wounds and Bites T2 Tintinalli's Emergency Medicine: A Comprehensive Study Guide, 9e YR 2020 FD 2020 PB McGraw-Hill Education PP New York, NY SN 9781260019933 LK accessemergencymedicine.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=1166531105 RD 2024/10/04 AB A puncture wound is defined as a wound whose depth is greater than its width. Injuries occur when great focal pressure is applied to a sharp object that can then penetrate the skin and deep tissues. Given the force and depth of penetration, puncture wounds are problematic regardless of location and are independently associated with higher incidence of infections and complications compared to other wounds.1,2 Despite a relatively innocuous appearance, puncture wounds carry a significant risk of infection and injury to underlying structures. Puncture wounds caused by high-pressure injection equipment and animal bites and those involving exposure to body fluids have the potential for unique complications.