Sonography of the hand and foot in foreign body detection.

Abstract

To evaluate the possibility that sonography might be effective in the clinical detection of foreign bodies in the soft tissues, we used high‐resolution sonography to study 10 patients with suspected foreign bodies in the hand and foot. Using ultrasound, we detected foreign bodies (glass, metal wire) in the sole of the foot of two patients and glass in the hand of another. Seven patients were proved to be free of foreign bodies. In an experimental model to ascertain which types of foreign bodies could be detected by ultrasound, wood, glass, and metallic foreign bodies 2.5 cm in length that had been inserted into the flesh of a chicken breast were immediately identified by high‐resolution sonography. Ultrasound also pinpointed the surface beneath which the foreign bodies lay and localized all precisely as to depth from the surface. While detection of a foreign body is important, precise localization is crucial to avoid miscalculation of surgery leading to increased tissue damage, blood loss, and an increased risk of complications. This initial study suggests that high‐resolution sonography has applicability in both the detection and the precise localization of foreign bodies in the soft tissues, but the sensitivity and specificity of the procedure remains to be determined.

Missed foreign bodies in the hand: an experience from a center in Kashmir

“…Intraoperative use of ultrasonography has in fact been recommended in literature also as an aid in real-time localization of foreign bodies (31). This accurate localization enables surgeons to make smaller and cosmetically appealing incisions and remove foreign bodies with a minimum amount of dissection and operation time (33). …”

Traumatic Lateral Plantar Artery Pseudoaneurysm and the Use of Time-Resolved MR Angiography

“…While the use of ultrasound is well established in evaluating foreign bodies in the extremities [17], the initial "false negative" result was likely related to the depth of the glass fragment from the skin puncture wound. The non-visualization of the pseudoaneurysm on this initial ultrasound, may be attributable to the evolving nature of the lesion.…”

High frequency ultrasound: an overview of potential uses in physical therapy

“…Gooding et al 15 inserted foreign bodies (wood, glass and metal) into the flesh of a chicken breast, and reported that ultrasound evaluation identified the foreign bodies, and also localised the depth of the object. This precise identification of depth can assist surgeons to minimise invasion of tissues so that tissue damage, blood loss and complication risks are reduced.…”