Historically the largest number of splinter-related injuries occurred in wooden military ships. These occurred when shot impacted the wooden sides of the ship, with release of numerous missiles ("shiver").
A large wooden splinter can be over a foot in length.
Causes of human encountering a large splinter:
(1) explosion
(2) impalement
(3) tornado or other high wind condition
(4) motor vehicle accident
Features of wounds:
(1) often large and ragged
(2) multiple splinters may be involved after an explosion
(3) care must be taken to remove all splinter fragments
(4) tetanus is a serious risk
(5) post-operative infections are common, often with environmental Gram-negative rods or fungi, and prophylactic antibiotics may be helpful in reducing these infections
(6) plain X-rays may not detect fragments
(7) injuries to an eye can result in blindness or loss of the eye
Common injuries:
(1) pneumothorax
(2) laceration with hemorrhage
(3) bowel perforation
(4) neck injuries
