Foreign body synovitis in the Pacific.

Foreign body synovitis in the Pacific region typically involves a penetrating injury to a joint. The introduced biomaterial produces an inflammatory reaction or innoculates the tissue with bacteria, creating an infection. Each year millions of people visit the Hawaiian Islands to hike, surf, snorkel, and participate in other outdoor activities, creating an array of interactions between people and nature. The two most commonly reported penetrating foreign body joint injuries are sea urchin synovitis and synovitis due to implantation of organic material such as wood splinters or plant thorns. In this article we describe the presentation, infectious profile, and treatment of these joint injuries.