Non radio opaque foreign bodies in orthopaedic practice

Abstract EN

Orthopaedic surgeons often remove foreign bodies from the extremities.

If the foreign body is radio-opaque, it can be located using conventional radiographs or fluoroscopy.

However if the foreign body is a radiolucent object, it may not be detected by radiograph leading to serious complications.

The aim of this paper is to discuss the role of US in detection of non radioopaque foreign body in addition to the presentation and nature of the foreign body. Twenty patients with penetrating injuries to the extremities were treated from January- December 2008 at Samawa General Hospital.

They were 11 male and 9 female, their ages ranged between 4 to 50 years (average 22.7).

All patients were evaluated by detailed history, clinical examination, radiography and US which were done at the department of radiology in Samawa General Hospital. The lower limb was affected in 14 cases (70%) while the upper limb in 6 cases (30%). presenting symptoms were ; pain (16 cases) followed by swelling (3 cases), limping and discharging sinus (one case).

No foreign bodies were detected by radiography in this study.

On the other hand, US detect and localize foreign body in each case.

Fifteen patients had history of failed previous interventions for removing foreign bodies. In conclusion, Non radio-opaque foreign bodies are common in children and adults most often presenting as penetrating injury to the extremities.

Failure to remove it may lead to serious complications and malpractice lawsuits.

US has emerged as the study of choice for detection of radiolucent foreign bodies.