Facilitating the removal of a foreign body in the tongue by intraoperative ultrasound guidance: A case report

J Med Life. 2023 Jul;16(7):1153-1156. doi: 10.25122/jml-2023-0138.

Abstract

The presence of soft tissue foreign bodies (FBs) presents a substantial concern due to their potential to induce both acute and chronic pain as well as tissue irritation. This case report documents the admission of a 25-year-old female with a history of bur fractures during endodontic treatment, accompanied by signs of infection. The clinical examination and radiographic assessment revealed an embedded foreign body within her tongue. The surgical procedure was informed by repeated ultrasound scans through the incision, facilitating precise targeting. Intraoperative ultrasound enables the accurate detection of submucosal foreign bodies in dynamic tissues like the tongue and facilitates focused and image-guided dissection, thereby decreasing surgical trauma to the delicate soft tissues.

Keywords: bur fracture; foreign body; intraoperative ultrasound; soft tissue trauma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Chronic Pain*
  • Dental Care
  • Female
  • Foreign Bodies* / diagnostic imaging
  • Foreign Bodies* / surgery
  • Humans
  • Tongue / diagnostic imaging
  • Tongue / injuries
  • Tongue / surgery
  • Ultrasonography / methods