The evaluation of a puncture wound begins with a history and physical exam.

Physical findings in someone with a puncture wound may include:

• Laceration to the skin
• Bleeding from the wound
• Deep wound:
• Injury to the tissues beneath the skin
• Foreign object in the wound
• Swelling around the wound
• Tenderness around the wound
• Numbness and tingling around the wound
• Redness of the skin around the wound

Tests that may be used to evaluate puncture wounds include:

• Surgical exploration of the wound:
• May detect foreign bodies, or injuries to the muscle, blood vessels, or nerves
• Extremity x-rays
• Extremity ultrasound
• MRI scan