Glass foreign body

Case contributed by Bálint Botz
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Injured by broken glass a month ago, palpable painful area in the palmar aspect of the proximal fourth finger of the left hand.

Patient Data

Age: 40 years
Gender: Female
x-ray

Plain radiographs show a small about 5 mm radioopaque structure at the palmar aspect of the fourth proximal phalanx, but it is hard to appreciate due to superposition.

ultrasound

A thin, linear, about 6 mm long echogenic, foreign body is visible subcutaneously at the level of the proximal phalanx, surrounded by a characteristic hypoechogenic rim. Findings are in line with a retained glass shard. 

Case Discussion

Most glass foreign bodies are readily visible on plain radiographs, though their density is depending on their composition. Ultrasound is a readily available problem solving tool and is better at depicting relation to surrounding tissues. 

How to use cases

You can use Radiopaedia cases in a variety of ways to help you learn and teach.

Creating your own cases is easy.