Soft Tissue Case 3 Diagnosis
Wound Foreign Body
Diagnosis
Neither wound exploration nor radiologic studies are sensitive enough alone to rule out all WFBs so the two should be used in complement.
WFBs that are radiopaque and should be visible on plain film x rays with soft tissue technique are:
- Metal
- Glass
- Teeth
- Pencil tips
- Gravel
Be aware that these WFBs may still be missed radiographically if in bony areas such as the foot or hand or if very small (<2mm).
WFBs that are non-radiopaque will not typically be visible on plain films regardless of size. These include:
- Wood
- Plastic
- Vegetative matter
- Clothing
If an imaging study is needed in these scenarios, ultrasound is usually the best initial choice and should detect all WFB materials.