Foreign Body-Related Extremity Trauma in Children: A Single-Center Experience

Abstract

The extremity foreign body in a child has propensity of getting missed or mistaken diagnosis. We report our experience of extremity foreign body trauma in order to increase awareness of this disease entity. The retrospective series of 24 retained foreign bodies was based on a 10-year chart review of emergency data (ICD code Z18). Patients with both upper and lower limb affections were included. Patients with ocular, otolaryngeal, tracheobronchial, gastrointestinal, and axial foreign bodies were excluded from the study. Male predominance (M:F = 20:4), young patient age (mean 6.8 years), variable lag period for consultation (range 3 h–8 years), and majority lower limb affection (58%; foot [7; 29%] and knee [5; 20.8%]) were some characteristics of extremity foreign bodies trauma. The foreign bodies reported were metallic needle (7; 29%), rubber band (3; 12.5%), pellets (3; 12.5%), bangle glass (2; 8%), glass pieces (2; 8%) “dhaga,” wooden twig, wooden thorn, ceramic earthen pot pieces, stapler pin, broomstick, and cracker piece in one case each (1; 4%). Postremoval, the wound healing was uneventful in all patients. Foreign body-related extremity trauma in children is a rare event. It has its own set of characteristics and differential diagnosis. Familiarity with the regional practices and customs is must to establish the circumstances/nature of the foreign body injury. The foreign body should preferably be removed in a well-equipped setting.

Post-traumatic Bone Granuloma Caused by Retained Foreign Bodies

“…In our case, we observed a focal cortical effraction with a continuity inflammatory reaction to near soft tissues and interphalangeal joint. Foreign body may be difficult to find for a long time, especially in children, leading to complications [2]. One must bear in mind that low density or small size foreign bodies can be overlooked on radiographs [7].…”

“…Foreign body granulomas in soft tissues are well-known entities, both in adults and children [1][2]. On the other side, bone granulomas (BGs) originating from foreign bodies are a rare condition, especially in children, with very few cases reported in literature [3][4][5].…”

Clinical analysis of posterior segment injury in left-behind children in China

“…Ocular trauma is the main cause of damage to children's vision [1,2], which not only severely affects children's visual development and physical and mental health, but also causes great loss to family and society. The incidence rate of paediatric ocular trauma in developing countries accounts for 1 in 1000 [3,4].…”

Letter to Editor for Foreign Body-Related Extremity Trauma in Children: A Single-Center Experience

“…We read the recently published article in Indian Journal of Orthopaedics1 with keen interest. The author needs compliments for sharing their pediatric case series of a variety of presentations due to several different types of foreign bodies.…”