Clinical Application of High Resolution Ultrasound for Detection of Non-radiopaque Foreign Bodies in Injured Tissues

The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the application of HRUS (High Resolution Ultrasound) for detection of non-radiopaque foreign bodies retained in soft tissue. From Oct.2000 to Oct. 2002, 23 patients with soft tissue injuries and suspected of retained foreign bodies were studied by HRUS. There were totally 39 foreign bodies not detected by both palpation and radiographs but recorded by HRUS. Surgical explorations was done and removal of 36 foreign bodies. Three false positive observations of HRUS were noted. HRUS is a good modality to detect the radiolucent foreign bodies and it might decrease the possibility of lawsuit in emergency room.