Plain Radiography for Identification of Limb Foreign Bodies: How Successful is it?

摘要

Objective: To assess the degree of success of two diagonally positioned X-ray radiographies, with careful history taking, in identifying foreign bodies in limbs. Methodology: A total of 150 patients with suspected soft foreign bodies in their upper and lower limbs referred to Razi and Imam Khomeini Ahwaz University hospitals, Iran, between March 2002 and September 2005 were included in this study. The subjects were carefully examined and a full history was taken. Plain diagonal X-ray radiography was taken. The accuracy of positively identified foreign bodies was calculated. Results: We were able to identify and successfully remove the soft tissue foreign bodies in 147 (98%) of cases. The remaining three cases were due to non-radio-opaque (fish bone and tree wood particles) and a needle embedded in the third metatarsal bone, which required a second operation. Conclusions: Two diagonal X-rays of the involved limb, with careful attention to the patient?s history are highly successful in identifying the location of soft tissue radio-opaque and non radio-opaque foreign bodies located in limbs.