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Knife blade as a facial foreign body
P A Gardner1, P Righi, P B Shahbahrami
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, USA.
The Annals of Otology, Rhinology, and Laryngology
|August 1, 1997
Summary
Foreign bodies in the face can be unpredictable, as shown by a retained knife blade missed on initial exams. Prompt diagnosis requires reviewing injury details, examining the head and neck, and using facial X-rays.
Area of Science:
- Medical Case Study
- Trauma Surgery
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Facial trauma presents unique diagnostic challenges.
- Foreign bodies in the head and neck region require careful evaluation.
Observation:
- A patient sustained a facial stab injury with a retained knife blade.
- The foreign body was not detected during two separate examinations.
- Diagnosis was ultimately made using plain radiographs of the face.
Findings:
- Foreign bodies, such as knife blades, can be easily missed in facial injuries.
- A systematic diagnostic approach is crucial for identifying retained objects.
- Plain radiography is an essential tool for diagnosing radiopaque foreign bodies in the face.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of a high index of suspicion in cases of facial stab wounds.
- Emphasizes the need for thorough head and neck examinations.
- Underscores the value of appropriate imaging in confirming the presence of foreign bodies.