Missed retained knife blade injury: A potentially lethal trap for the unwary

Abstract

Introduction: retained knife blade is an uncommon injury and they often present in a spectacular fashion. concealed retained knife blade, however, is difficult to diagnose without a detailed clinical and radiological assessment. Extraction requires careful planning in a controlled environment, preferably in the operating theater. case report: We present the highly unusual case of a 25-year-old male in whom a retained knife blade following a stab to the left anterior leg was missed on three separate visits to a rural hospital. conclusion: Whilst diagnosis and management continues to be challenging, clinicians must always remain vigilant to the possibility of such injury. When the presentation is unclear, a high level of suspicion,