Neglected foreign body in contralateral limb in a traumatic transfemoral amputee---radiographs can be misleading

Missed or neglected foreign bodies are not infrequent in surgical practice. This case report highlights the fact that thorough clinical examination and detailed evaluation of trauma patients are very necessary so that any associated injuries or foreign bodies will not be missed and any unforeseen clinical or medico-legal complications can be prevented. We present a case of a 35-year- old male patient who had traumatic transfemoral amputation of the right lower limb with a clean laceration (size 2 cm multiply 1 cm) over the medial aspect of the left thigh. Radiographs suggested a single radioopaque foreign body which proved misleading, as during surgical removal multiple radiolucent and radiopaque foreign bodies were discovered. Postoperative ultrasound was performed and showed no retained foreign bodies. A secondary closure of the right thigh amputation was done and patient was discharged. At the last follow-up, 9 months after injury, the patient had no complaints, and both the amputation stump and the wound over the left thigh were healthy. Thus in the cases of retained foreign bodies, in addition to thorough clinical examination and radiography, ultrasonograpy should be supplemented. And if required, use of CT scan as well as MRI should be also considered.