RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Taser barb penetration causing phalangeal fracture JF BMJ Case Reports JO BMJ Case Reports FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd SP e240953 DO 10.1136/bcr-2020-240953 VO 14 IS 5 A1 de Courcey, Cynthia A1 Jones, Matthew A YR 2021 UL http://casereports.bmj.com/content/14/5/e240953.abstract AB We present an unusual case of phalangeal fracture resulting from direct penetration by the barb of a conducted electrical weapon (Taser). When a Taser is triggered, compressed gas propels two barbs with trailing insulated wires which deliver a pulsed electrical discharge on contact. A 51-year-old man presented with a single barb of the Taser embedded in the diaphysis of the proximal phalanx and an associated open fracture. The barb was removed under local anaesthesia. The fracture was stable and was mobilised in a flexible splint. Oral antibiotics were commenced in recognition of the risk of flexor sheath and bone inoculation. While the most severe complications associated with Taser are related to the electrical component, the most common injuries are associated with falls and barb penetrations. Clinicians must be mindful of the risk of fracture, infection and soft tissue injury when such a foreign body penetrates a phalanx.