Foreign body - forearm

Case contributed by Maulik S Patel
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

A few days before presentation, the patient had a wood splinter injury to the dorsum of the right forearm. He presented with complaints of local pain and swelling.

Patient Data

Age: 35 years
Gender: Male
ultrasound

Linear echogenic focus in the subcutaneous plane at the site of pain and swelling (dorsum of the forearm) - foreign body, about 5 mm deep to the skin. No extension through in fascia/ muscle. The foreign body is about 20 mm long x <2 mm thick. Surrounding hypoechoic soft tissue edema without fluid collection. Local hyperemia, favoring inflammation.

Case Discussion

A young male had a wood splinter injury to the dorsum of the forearm. He presented with local pain and swelling. Ultrasound showed a wood splinter in the subcutaneous plane of the forearm with surrounding edema. However, there was no abscess formation.

The foreign body was retrieved surgically.

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