Missed foreign bodies in the hand: an experience from a center in Kashmir

INTRODUCTION: Penetrating hand injuries are common and improper assessment can result in missed foreign bodies. These bodies can result in a wide range of complications. AIM: The aim of our study was to study the profile of patients reporting with missed foreign bodies in the hand. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All the cases treated in the Department of Surgery, Sheri Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (medical college), Kashmir, for missed foreign bodies in hands from June 2003 to May 2009 were studied retrospectively. RESULTS: A total of 61 cases with missed foreign bodies of different nature were treated over the period of six years. Wooden splinters were the most common foreign bodies missed. Preoperative localization was accomplished with plain radiographs and ultrasonograms. Most of the cases were treated on outpatient basis. CONCLUSIONS: Foreign bodies should be suspected and ruled out in all cases of penetrating injuries of hands. Missed foreign bodies need to be removed after proper localization by imaging.