Evaluating Soft-Tissue Foreign Bodies with Ultrasound

Foreign bodies are, by definition, any objects originating from the external environment that, due to some event, are introduced into the interior of the body. Such objects may range from small particles to macroscopic artifacts, whether inert or not, and their insertion into the body often occurs involuntarily [1].
Although radiography is the most commonly used imaging method, some foreign bodies located in soft tissues—especially in the subcutaneous region—can be better assessed using ultrasonography, since some of them are radiolucent and therefore not easily identifiable on conventional radiographs. In general, penetrating injuries are the main cause of foreign body introduction into soft tissues, with glass, metal, plastic, and wood being the most frequently encountered materials.
To provide high-quality care, it is essential to obtain a thorough patient history in order to understand the mechanism of introduction, the energy involved in the potential trauma, and the origin of the foreign object. Because the presence of foreign bodies may lead to inflammatory reactions and signs of infection, their removal is a key component of treatment. In this context, ultrasonography serves as a valuable adjunct examination, both for detecting the foreign body itself—especially those not visible on radiography—and for accurately localizing the invasive external material [1,2].