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. However, there is no scientific evidence to support the use of antibiotics. In 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 from these injuries and whether the type of paint injected had an influence on amputation rates. Charts of 35 patients with high-pressure paint gun injuries to their hands were reviewed. The amputation rate was 50% with oil-based paints and 0% with water-based paints. Forty-seven percent of wound cultures were positive, with gram-negative bacteria found in 58% of isolates. Our findings support the use of antibiotics, which should cover both gram-positive and gram-negative organisms.