Soft tissue foreign body

Management

• antibiotics indicated for organic matter
• do not extend hand wounds in ED

Indications for Removal

• Potential for inflammation or infection
  • Vegetative or chemically reactive material
  • Heavy bacterial contamination (e.g. teeth, soil)
  • Proximity to fractured bone
  • Established infection
  • Allergic reaction
• Toxicity
  • Spines with venom
  • Heavy metals
• Functional and cosmetic problems
  • Impingement on nerves, vessels, tendons
  • Restriction of joint mobility
  • Proximity to tendons
  • Impairment of gait
  • Persistent pain
  • Cosmetic deformity (e.g., tattooing)
  • Psychological distress
• Potential for later injury
  • Intra-articular location
  • Intravascular location
  • Migration toward important structures

Dispoition

• Ortho 1-2 days if not retrievable

See Also

• Foreign body