Radial Artery Injury from a Wooden Splinter: An Analysis of Imaging Modalities to Aid in Identifying Foreign Objects Associated with Puncture Wounds

Meng Guo, Chelsea Venditto, Karri Adamson and Hani Matloub

Department of Plastic Surgery, The Medical College of Wisconsin, USA
Department of Plastic Surgery, Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center, USA

^*Correspondance to: Hani S. Matloub 

 PDF  Full Text DOI: 10.25107/2474-1647.2387

Abstract

Foreign body penetration of the upper extremity is a relatively common injury. The variety of potential foreign bodies and possible mechanisms of injury often make proper treatment difficult. Given the abundance of important structures that occupy a small space, foreign body penetrations of the hand and wrist can result in neurovascular, tendon, and bony injuries that require careful history and examination to ensure the correct diagnosis is not missed. Multiple imaging modalities can assist in diagnosis, and management may involve surgical intervention. We present a case of delayed presentation of a retained wooden splinter in the forearm with direct injury to the radial artery, together with analysis of various imaging modalities and the usefulness of each in diagnosing retained foreign bodies. After a thorough exam and confirmation with imaging, surgical exploration was performed. A traumatic radial arteriotomy was identified and repaired directly, and flow through the radial artery was preserved.

Keywords

Retained foreign bodies; Imaging modalities; Puncture wounds; Difficulties of diagnosis in penetrating wounds

Cite the article

Guo M, Venditto C, Adamson K, Matloub H. Radial Artery Injury from a Wooden Splinter: An Analysis of Imaging Modalities to Aid in Identifying Foreign Objects Associated with Puncture Wounds. Clin Surg. 2019; 4: 2387.