[A penetrating volar foreign body: a wooden splinter beneath the flexor tendons]

Praxis (Bern 1994). 2011 Apr 27;100(9):555-7. doi: 10.1024/1661-8157/a00521.
[Article in German]

Abstract

Hand injuries are among the most common injuries seen in general practitioner (GP) consultation hours and emergency departments and are most often affecting the dominant hand. We report on a case of unsuccessful primary exploration of the volar hand for a foreign body by the GP. In regard to detailed history of the injury mechanism, we performed the clinical examination and an additional ultrasound evaluation of the hand, suggesting evidence for a foreign body and a laceration of one of the flexor tendons. Figures are illustrating the mechanism of the injury and emphasize the need for determining the kinematics and course of the injury. The suspicion of a foreign body within the hand requires the consultation of a trained hand surgeon to adequately treat the injury and provide the after-care.

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Foreign Bodies / diagnostic imaging*
  • Foreign Bodies / surgery
  • Hand Injuries / diagnostic imaging*
  • Hand Injuries / surgery
  • Hand* / surgery
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Tendon Injuries / diagnostic imaging*
  • Tendon Injuries / surgery
  • Ultrasonography
  • Wounds, Penetrating / diagnostic imaging*
  • Wounds, Penetrating / surgery