An Unusual Case of Biological Foreign Body of Quill of a Porcupine Animal in Foot

Porcupine quill injuries are known for their potential complications due to the sharp and barbed nature of the quills. We present rare and unusual case of a 50-year-old male who presented with persistent pain, swelling, and redness over the right inner border of his foot following an accidental injury involving Indian porcupine quills. After failed multiple attempts of self-removal of superficially embedded quills, imaging studies revealed a retained foreign body. Surgical exploration under local anesthesia revealed a long, sharp porcupine quill penetrating to the subcutaneous plane. The quill was successfully extracted, and meticulous wound care was performed. The patient tolerated the procedure well and was discharged with instructions for postoperative wound management. This case underscores the importance of prompt diagnosis, surgical intervention, and comprehensive wound care in managing injuries caused by porcupine quills to prevent complications and ensure optimal outcomes. Key words: porcupine, quill, Indian species, animal