What is the major mechanical issue with deeply embedded Black Locust thorns due to their composition?
The hard, brittle nature causes the tip to snap off once embedded
The physical characteristics of the Black Locust thorn are crucial to understanding the injury risk. These spines are described as being notably sharp, stiff, and durable. Because they are hard and brittle, unlike softer spines, they possess a high propensity to fragment or snap off entirely once they penetrate the skin or deeper tissues. When a segment breaks away beneath the surface, the remaining embedded piece is treated by the body as a persistent foreign object. This fragmentation necessitates medical intervention because the retained fragment acts as a continuing irritant and a potential site for bacterial colonization, often leading to prolonged localized pain if not medically extracted.
