Implantable contraceptive device

Case contributed by Craig Hacking
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Fall.

Patient Data

Age: 20 years
Gender: Female
x-ray

No fracture, malalignment or joint effusion. Linear dense foreign body in the medial soft tissues of the distal arm in keeping with an implantable contraceptive device.

Case Discussion

These devices are made of a soft flexible plastic that slowly releases synthetic progesterone for hormonal contraception. It is inserted under local anesthetic by a preloaded disposable applicator and is easily removed under local anesthetic but may require US guidance for removal. The plastic contains a small amount of barium sulfate to allow radiographic localization. Contraceptive effect can last for 3 years. The most common location for insertion in the medial arm.

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