Tetanus - A Rusted Nail Injury :Report of a Case and Review

Abstract

Tetanus is rare diagnosis in the post vaccination era ,although it continues to have signicant morbidity and mortality worldwide. High risk population groups carpenters, mechanics, laborer's and soldiers with unknown history of tetanus vaccination. This is a report of a 40 year male, laborer by occupation with an incomplete immunization history who presented to the emergency department with classical triad of trismus, risus sardonicus and opisthotonos and was diagnosed as tetanus. This report highlights the importance of prompt diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of tetanus. It also points out the importance of booster vaccination, as tetanus still remains an important cause of morbidity and mortality in the post vaccination era.