Annals of emergency medicine
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Ultrasound versus radiography in the detection of soft-tissue foreign bodies.
To determine the usefulness of ultrasound and radiography in detecting foreign bodies in soft-tissue models closely duplicating puncture-wound trauma and hand anatomy. ⋯ Ultrasound detection of foreign bodies by skilled operators in this animal model revealed poor sensitivity and specificity. Radiographic detection was highly sensitive for foreign bodies considered radiopaque. Our data suggest that ultrasound should not be relied on to rule out the possibility of a retained foreign body in the distal extremities.