Presentation
Local pain, swelling, and restricted joint movement after a thorn injury over the right dorsum 3rd MCP joint region 2 days prior. He was referred for an ultrasound evaluation to rule in/ rule out a residual thorn fragment.
Patient Data
There is a linear echogenic focus (5 mm length) at the 3rd MCP joint region. It is deeper than the normal extensor tendon. Its tip is near the metacarpal head cartilage. The palmar recess of the 3rd MCP joint shows effusion. There is local soft-tissue edema with hypervascularity.
1st photo shows a foreign body through the incision. 2nd photo is a retrieved foreign body - a thorn. The foreign body was outside the joint. There was a joint capsule puncture due to its tip.
Case Discussion
An adult male had a thorn injury to the hand followed by local pain, swelling, and restricted joint movement. Ultrasound shows a foreign body near the 3rd MCP joint which was retrieved surgically.
Intraoperative photos and surgical details courtesy Operating surgeon Dr. Nisarg A. Patel.