Stephen J. Schueler, M.D.

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Splinter Evaluation

The evaluation of a skin foreign body begins with a history and physical exam.

Physical findings in someone with skin foreign body may include:


Tests are not necessary to make the diagnosis of skin foreign body.

Tests that may be used to evaluate skin foreign body include:
  • Surgical exploration of the wound:
    • To look for injuries to structures beneath the skin
  • X-rays of the foreign body
  • Ultrasound of the foreign body
  • MRI of the foreign body

For more information:

Continue to Splinter Treatment

Last Updated: Jan 4, 2011 References
Authors: Stephen J. Schueler, MD; John H. Beckett, MD; D. Scott Gettings, MD
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PubMed Splinter References
  1. Nassif JM, Gorczyca JT, Vanarthos WJ. Unrecognized foreign body in the hip joint. J Orthop Trauma. 1996;10(3):216-9. [8667116]
  2. O'Dell ML. Skin and wound infections: an overview. Am Fam Physician. 1998 May 15;57(10):2424-32. [9614412]
  3. Vincent A, Jenkins DW. Retained digital foreign body after a pellet gun injury. J Am Podiatr Med Assoc. 2000 Feb;90(2):103-6. [10697978]
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