Description
A foreign material in a cut. The most common foreign bodies are gravel, small rocks, sand, glass, and wood. If the foreign body is not removed an infection of the wound can occur. The best way to prevent a foreign body in a wound is to clean the area with running water. The healthcare provider will examine the wound and try to visualize any material after the wound has been cleaned. Sometimes an x-ray or CT scan is helpful in detecting a foreign body lying underneath the surface of the skin.
Symptoms
A wound or cut that does not heal. Persistent wound infection, cloudy discharge from a wound, chronic pain, sensation that something is in the wound.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be done. The foreign body can sometimes be seen in the wound. Depending on what the foreign body is made of an x-ray or CT scan may be helpful.
Tests:
CT Scan, X-ray
Specialists:
Orthopedic Surgery, Hand Surgery
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be done. The foreign body can sometimes be seen in the wound. Depending on what the foreign body is made of an x-ray or CT scan may be helpful.
Tests:
CT Scan, X-ray
Specialists:
Orthopedic Surgery, Hand Surgery
Treatment
If there is no associated infection and the foreign body is not causing symptoms it may be left in the wound. Foreign bodies associated with an infection or pain will be surgically removed.