Computed tomography in localization of foreign bodies lodged in the extremities

Surgical removal of foreign objects (FO) lodged in the body may be difficult because of uncertain 3-dimensional localization on conventional roentgenograms. Furthermore, low-density FO may not be detectable on roentgenograms. CT was performed in 8 patients with FO lodged in the extremities, and was found helpful because, (1) it detected 4 low-density FO's missed on roentgenograms, and (2) it facilitated surgical removal by displaying the precise 3-dimensional location of these objects.