Implication of Ultrasonography in Detection of Retained Soft Tissue Foreign Bodies in Children: a Hospital Based Study from Western Nepal

摘要

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity of sonography for detection of soft tissue foreign body and the common locations of foreign bodies in children. Children up to 14 years presenting to Radio diagnosis and Imaging department between August 2013 and May 2015 with diagnosis of retained foreign bodies embedded in soft tissue at various locations were included. All patients had both radiographs and ultrasound done. Location, size, depth, orientation and the relation to the adjacent structures were noted. Foreign bodies were then removed either by ultrasound guidance or by surgical exploration. Mean age of the patient was 10±3.7 years. Time of presentation ranged from 1 day to 35 days. Mean duration was 10 days. Pain and swelling were the presenting symptoms in all the patients. Sensitivity of ultrasound in detecting foreign body was 100%. There was no statistical difference between the length of the foreign bodies as measured by ultrasound and scale, after removal. Ultrasound is a cheap, readily available and effective modality for evaluation of retained foreign body in children.