Foreign Bodies in the Hand

Abstract

The diagnosis is based on the anamnesis, the clinical evidence, and the x-ray examination. The latter is effective in revealing metallic bodies, and even objects of low radiopacity can often be visualized by “soft films.” It is good practice to mark possible entry wounds with lead pellets. Foreign bodies should always be suspected in infections of uncertain origin, even if no entry wound is immediately evident. This must be borne in mind at operation (see chapter on Hand Infections).