Warning: This post contains medical images that may be graphic to some viewers.
Palm trees are a common part of the landscape here, but their thorns can cause injuries that are anything but ordinary. This palm thorn hand injury case study shows how what looks like a simple puncture wound can quickly turn serious — and why timely treatment makes all the difference.
The Accident
Palm Thorn Hand Injury Before Surgery
My patient was working in his yard on a routine gardening project when a large palm tree branch slipped and drove a thorn deep into his finger. He felt a sharp, stabbing pain but assumed it would get better on its own. Like many people, he didn’t realize a palm thorn injury could be more than just a small nuisance.
Over the next several days, my patient’s finger became markedly swollen and increasingly painful. By the time he sought medical attention, the injury had developed into acute synovitis, a painful inflammation inside the joint caused by the thorn puncture. This palm thorn hand injury case study highlights how quickly untreated wounds can progress.
Why Surgery Was Needed
Palm thorn puncture wounds are particularly dangerous because fragments can remain inside the hand. Left untreated, these foreign bodies may lead to:
- Chronic infection
- Persistent swelling and pain
- Permanent joint or tendon damage
In my patient’s case, the swelling and loss of finger motion signaled the need for surgical exploration.
Imaging and Diagnosis
Treatment and Recovery
The extracted palm thorn.
Surgery confirmed the diagnosis and allowed the tissue to be properly treated. Since the procedure was performed relatively early, my patient is expected to make a full recovery.
Some patients benefit from hand therapy after surgery, especially to reduce swelling and restore range of motion. In our practice, we often work closely with our in-house hand therapist to help patients regain strength and function as quickly as possible.
This palm thorn hand injury case study illustrates that puncture wounds are never “just scratches.” What begins as a minor gardening accident can progress into infection, joint inflammation, and lasting disability if ignored.
If you experience swelling, redness, or pain after a palm thorn injury, don’t wait. Early treatment leads to the best outcomes. Contact our office to schedule an evaluation — prompt care may save you from long-term complications.
About Dr. Brandon P. Donnelly, MD
Dr. Brandon P. Donnelly is a board certified orthopedic hand specialist with Pontchartrain Orthopedics & Sports Medicine. Dr. Donnelly completed his hand and microsurgery fellowship at the prestigious Philadelphia Hand to Shoulder Center. Dr. Donnelly treats all ages of patients in the greater New Orleans area for hand, wrist, and elbow conditions. 
