Decision
Is there concern for fracture or a foreign body?
Background
Imaging Studies
Up to 38% of foreign bodies are missed on initial physical examination; delay in management of a foreign body may lead to complications such as infection, delayed wound healing, inflammation, or loss of function. Radiographs can be used to detect radiopaque foreign bodies. Ultrasound is useful for detecting radiolucent foreign bodies such as wood, plastic, or cactus spines. However, ultrasound is operator dependent and cannot be relied upon to rule out foreign bodies conclusively. Emergent magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography should be obtained if there is concern for neurovascular compromise. Ipaktchi et al proposed an imaging algorithm to detect foreign bodies in the hand (see Figure 1). While this algorithm was developed in the context of wounds to the hand, it can be applied to other types of superficially located foreign bodies.
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