Radiolucent foreign bodies in the hand: case report

An unusual case of radiolucent foreign bodies (wood) in the hand is reported. Diagnosis rests on clinical suspicion and is often suggested by the injury mechanism. Management includes antibiotics, X-rays and in some instances CT scan before exploration in selected cases; re-exploration in this case 12 days after the initial operation revealed another large piece of wood, which was successfully removed. Split-skin grafting was done 10 days later, and the patient was asymptomatic with full range of motion 5 weeks after that.