Abstract
We report a case of a missed wooden foreign body in the metacarpophalangeal (MP) joint
of the right little finger following a workplace injury. The patient presented to
our institution with a persisted pain and limited range of motion of the MP joint
1 week following the injury. Plain radiographs detected no foreign body or fractures.
However, detailed examination as ultrasonography (USG) and computed tomography revealed
the presence of a foreign body of 10 × 1.5 mm size in the MP joint capsule. The excision
of the radiolucent foreign body was performed arthroscopically and was confirmed successful
removal using intraoperative USG. The foreign body was recognized as a wooden piece.
The patient was immediately pain free postoperatively and regained full range of motion.
Arthroscopy can be a practical, reliable method to remove a radiolucent foreign body
located in a small joint in a minimally invasive manner, and USG can help surgeons
confirm no remnants left.
Keywords
wooden foreign body - radiolucent - arthroscopy - metacarpophalangeal joint - ultrasonography
