Sonographic Evaluation of a Perpetual Penetrating Retained Wood Splinter, Ulnar Artery Occlusion, and Soft Tissue Swelling in the Left Arm

Abstract

Penetrating foreign bodies are frequently encountered, most commonly wood, glass, or metal slivers. Retained foreign bodies are often overlooked on initial examination and only 15% of wooden foreign bodies are detected by radiographic visualization such as radiography (X-ray), computerized tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Soft tissue infection is the most common complication of a penetrating foreign body. This case report describes a 63-year-old man who was caught under a falling tree limb. His left forearm was speared by a large branch causing an open wound. Ten years later, the patient presented to the emergency department with pain, edema, and erythema. A left arm venous duplex was performed using dynamic B-mode imaging with pulsed Doppler to evaluate the venous system for thrombosis and a palpable mass. Sonography revealed a “perpetual” retained linear foreign body encased in a fluid collection and a distal ulnar artery occlusion with reconstitution of flow at the level of the wrist. Surgical correlation confirmed the presence, size, and location of the foreign body and associated fluid and debris. The foreign body, a wood splinter, was surgically removed without complications.