Soft Tissue Case 3 Pearl

 

 

It is the duty of the emergency physician to diagnose WFBs and determine the initial management, even if immediate removal is not indicated. Certain scenarios in particular should raise suspicion for WFBs. WFBs that are non-radiopaque, such as wood, will not typically be visible on plain films regardless of size.  The decision to remove a WFB or leave it in situ should be made on a case-by-case basis. Not all WFBs can be removed by irrigation or exploration in the ED.