Arthroscopic Removal of a Missed Wooden Foreign Body in the Metacarpophalangeal Joint

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

Publication History

Article published online:
01 October 2021

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