Culture results and amputation rates in high-pressure paint gun injuries of the hand

High-pressure paint gun injuries have been well described in the literature , and the use of antibiotics is recommended as part of their management. Ho wever, there is no scientific evidence to support the use of antibiotics. i n addition, the type of paint injected (water- versus oil-based) has never been investigated to determine the extent of morbidity resulting from these injuries. This study examines the organisms cultured in wounds resulting f rom these injuries and whether the type of paint injected had an influence on amputation rates. Charts of 35 patients with high-pressure paint gun inj uries to their hands were reviewed. The amputation rate was 50% with oil-ba sed paints and 0% with water-based paints. Forty-seven percent of wound cul tures were positive, with gram-negative bacteria found in 58% of isolates. Our findings support the use of antibiotics, which should cover both gram-p ositive and gram-negative organisms.