Foreign body in foot

Case contributed by Maulik S Patel
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Penetrating injury by wood 6 days previously.

x-ray

No retained radio-opaque foreign body is demonstrated.

ultrasound

1.5 cm long linear hyperechoic structure in subcutaneous plane on dorsal aspect of the foot, in keeping with a foreign body.

Case Discussion

Not all foreign bodies are radio-opaque, as in this case where the X-ray is unremarkable. The 1.5 cm foreign body is however clearly seen on ultrasound. It is therefore important not to be falsely reassured by a negative X-ray in these cases.

[radiographics.rsna.org]

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