FOREIGN BODIES

Definition

• Foreign Body: "any object or substance found in an organ or tissue in which it does not belong under normal circumstances"
• Foreign body granuloma (FBG): "localized tissue reaction to foreign body within the tissue"

Clinical Presentation

• Palpable mass
• History of penetrating injury
• Tenderness that lessens over time
• Peripheral hyperemia

Ultrasound Technique

• 7.5-10 MHz linear transducer
• Stand-off pad
• Patient position - variable
• Competency of sonographer

Wood/Plastic Foreign Bodies

Metal Foreign Bodies

Other Imaging Modalities
X-Ray: detects radiopaque objects
CT: displays hyperdense object
MR: good visualization of inflammatory response
Ultrasound is the modality of choice!

Treatment
"Percutaneous removal with forceps through the puncture wound or small incision"

Differential Diagnosis

Differential Diagnosis