The ultrasonic detection of soft tissue foreign bodies

The ability of B-scan ultrasonography to detect soft tissue foreign bodies of various sizes and composition was investigated in a canine model. Foreign bodies consisting of wooden rods 0.7 mm and larger, lead-free glass rods 2.0 mm and larger, plastic rods 3.9 mm and 5.6 mm, and metal needles 0.5 mm and larger were embedded in fleshy soft tissue. All objects examined were discernible. Wood is best visualized followed by glass, plastic, and metal. Ultrasound may be a valuable noninvasive means of detecting soft tissue foreign bodies; further investigation to delineate its clinical role is warranted.