Infections complicating puncture wounds of the foot.

Pedal puncture wounds are a relatively common injury seen predominantly during the warm weather months and in children. Although most of these injuries heal completely with no sequelae, up to 10% may become infected and produce late complications. Of these, osteomyelitis caused by P. aeruginosa is the most devastating, and it may progress to bone destruction that will require extensive surgical debridement. If instituted early, adequate primary care usually provides the best chance of prevention of these infections.