Ultrasound picture of a wooden splinter evolved in phlegmon of the hand

Introduction: To demonstrate the usefulness of ultrasound (US) in quickly and effectively diagnosing the presence of a foreign body in the superficial soft tissues. Materials and methods: A young lumberjack underwent US examination due to pain and swelling of the back of his right hand. These symptoms are often due to the presence of a wooden splinter. Results: On the back of the right hand, US demonstrated a hyperechoic line with acoustic shadowing surrounded by a hypoechoic halo suggesting a foreign body. Next to it in the same area, several hypoechoic areas were observed. Conclusions: US can quickly identify the exact position of a foreign body embedded in the skin and soft tissues; US can furthermore provide information about the inflammatory process and its spreading.