Radiographic imaging of foreign bodies in the hand

Injuries involving foreign bodies in the hand are common. Index of suspicion should be high in any hand injury, particularly with a proper history. Plain radiographs should be obtained liberally and multiple views always taken. Xeroradiography, if available, is helpful if the plain radiographs are normal and a foreign body is suspected. Ultrasound is useful particularly in the detection of non-radiopaque foreign bodies and can provide guidance for removal of foreign objects if they are not readily found at surgery. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be used in rare instances if other studies have failed to detect a suspected foreign object, particularly a small wood or wood-like fragment. CT and MRI are the best studies to evaluate complications of retained foreign bodies.