Foreign body migration along a tendon sheath in the lower extremity: a case report and literature review

Ultrasonography of subcutaneous foreign bodies: differences depending on their nature, complications, and potential diagnostic errors

Patients with penetrating wounds with suspected foreign bodies retained in the wound are often seen in emergency departments. Imaging studies are necessary to rule out the presence of retained foreign bodies. Plain-film X-rays, however, are only useful when the foreign bodies contain radiopaque material (metal, glass, stone, and some plastics). In cases with strong diagnostic suspicion and negative plain films, other imaging tests are necessary. Ultrasonography has proven useful in the identification and location of both radiopaque and radiotransparent foreign bodies. Ultrasonography enables excellent assessment of adjacent anatomical structures (muscles, tendons, ligaments, and neurovascular structures) and of associated lesions. The different materials found in foreign bodies have characteristic ultrasonographic patterns that are useful for diagnosis. Finally, it is important to be familiar with the diagnostic pitfalls to avoid false positives.

Proximal migration of retained pencil lead along a flexor tendon in the hand: A case report

RATIONALE

The hand is the most common site for foreign body injuries. Pencil lead penetration mainly occurs in school-age children.We report a case of proximal migration of a retained pencil lead in the hand, emphasizing the importance of adequate imaging and prompt removal of the foreign body.

PATIENT CONCERNS

We report the case of an 8-year-old boy who visited our outpatient clinic for a retained foreign body in the right palm. Removal was planned under general anesthesia. Black staining from the pencil lead was observed around the tendon sheath in the operative field, but the foreign body itself was not apparent.

DIAGNOSIS

Intraoperative radiography located the foreign body at the wrist, 5 cm away from the original site. Proximal migration of the retained foreign body was suspected.

INTERVENTION

Incision was extended toward the wrist and the foreign body was discovered in the flexor sheath at the wrist.

CONCLUSION

Foreign bodies may migrate to adjacent tissues, but rarely wander far. Computed tomography is the most useful tool in diagnosing a pencil lead foreign body.

LESSONS

Adequate imaging and prompt removal of the foreign body is important. When a retained foreign body is removed after a delay, the physician must always consider the possibility of foreign body migration.

Sponge Rubber Revealed Two Years After Penetrating Injury: A Case Report

The present report illustrates a very rare case report of a foreign body granuloma of the foot associated with a 2-year period of a retained spongeous rubber foreign body after a penetrating injury. Because it appeared almost 2 years after the injury, the history of trauma was minimized, the foreign body had migrated from the plantar to the dorsal side of the foot, and the radiographic appearance resembled a malignant process, it was difficult to rule out the possibility of a malignant tumor. This case shows the weakness of magnetic resonance imaging in detecting spongeous rubber in the body. Also, a bone osteoblastic reaction to the foreign body has very rarely been noted. To the best of our knowledge, just 5 cases have been previously reported. Provided suspicion exists of previous trauma with an embedded foreign body, the differential diagnosis of a bone neoplasm should consider the possibility of a foreign body reaction. Biopsy proved to be the best diagnostic tool.

Management of pedal puncture wounds

Puncture wounds of the foot are a common injury, and infection associated with these injuries may result in considerable morbidity. The pathophysiology and management of a puncture wound is dependent on the material that punctures the foot, the location and depth of the wound, time to presentation, footwear, and underlying health status of the patient. Puncture wounds should not be treated lightly, so accurate diagnosis, assessment, and treatment are paramount. Early incision and drainage, vaccination, and the use of proper antibiotics can lead to positive outcomes and prevent limb-threatening circumstances.