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Foreign bodies (hand)

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

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Foreign bodies within the hand may be the focus of recurrent abscesses. If the initial injury has been forgotten, a recurrently swollen and painful hand must make the clinician think of this differential.

Foreign bodies can be divided into two groups:

  • non-irritant e.g. sterile broken needles, glass and steel; fibrous tissue tends to encapsulate the object which often gives no clinical sequel
  • irritant e.g. non-sterile wood, teeth, thorns

Removal may be undertaken by surgical exploration. Identification of the foreign body's position may require X-rays in two planes with surface radio-opaque markers for localisation. Alternatively, radiographic screening with on-table fluroscopy is used.

Broad spectrum antibiotic prophylaxis is recommended.

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The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

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