THE ROLE OF ULTRASONOGRAPHY IN THE MANAGEMENT OF RADIOLUCENT FOREIGN BODIES IN SOFT TISSUES OF EXTREMITIES

Aim: High Resolution ultrasonography has revolutionised the management of non-metallic foreign body removal. USG aids in measuring the depth and size of the foreign body, its depth from the skin surface and any associated collection to perform a less invasive, and easier surgery without the need for any additional radiologicalinvestigations like CT scan or MRI both of which are expensive and not easily available.

Material and Methods:22 patients with mean age of 33.3 years were admitted in our department for foreign body exploration during the years 2020 to 2022. The affected sites were plantar aspect of feet in 9 patients, leg in 4 patients, palm of the hand in 4 patients, fingers in 5 patients. Preoperatively, all patients underwent USG of the affected part. Duration of the surgery and any complications were observed.

Results: The mean patient age was 33.34 years (range 15 to 70). Intraoperatively, we were able to locate and remove foreign bodies in all 22 patients. The actual surgeries lasted less than 15 min in 14 (63.6 %) of the cases and from 15-20 min in 8(36.6%) cases. Foreign bodies retrieved were wood in 12 (63%), thorn in 4 (21%) and rubber pieces of slippers in 6 (10.5%) patients. No complications were observed in any of the patients.

Conclusion: Ultrasonography is areliable, cheaper and an easydiagnostic tool for detection and localization of foreign body and should be included in evaluation for clinically suspicious retained non-radiopaque foreign body in soft tissue of extremities.