The bill of a swordfish may be cut off and made into a type of sword which can be used to attack someone.
The bill sword causes a penetrating wound, often into the thorax or abdomen.
The wound is at increased risk for infection, especially if a fragment of the bill breaks off. The fragment may not be evident on routine X-rays but can be seen on CT scan or MRI.
Other complications:
(1) pneumothorax
(2) pentrating injury of the abdomen
(3) vascular injury with hemorrhage and/or pseudoaneurysm
(4) neurologic deficit
Soft tissue injuries may present months or years after the incident.
To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.