Distal Migration of a Foreign Body (Sago Palm Thorn Fragment) Within the Long-Finger Flexor Tendon Sheath

摘要

Common puncture injuries to the hand involve items such as glass, metal, and wood splinters; plant thorns; and fish spines. Most often, these injuries are resolved with little or no medical intervention. However, diagnosis and treatment of these injuries can become more difficult if any foreign body material is retained in the wound. Common complications from retained foreign bodies include persistent pain, infection, and tendon or nerve damage. A less common complication is migration of the retained foreign body away from the initial site of injury. Although distal and proximal migration of foreign bodies has been documented in injuries originating at the wrist, these reports are rare. Migration of a foreign body is not usually a factor considered during diagnosis. Therefore, a foreign body that has migrated can easily be missed by diagnostic imaging and surgical exploration, which are targeted at the site of injury.