Retrieval of ferrous metal foreign body from limbs soft tissue aided by a permanent magnet: A surgical technique and case series.

Abstract

Ferrous metal foreign bodies (FMFBs) are often the most common metallic foreign bodies for the widespread application and low price of ferrous metal, but these bodies are very tiny and with the uncertainty of the position, it is very difficult to find them and get them out without a hitch. Our aim was to evaluate the reliability of retrieval of FMFBs from limbs soft tissue aided by a permanent magnet. In addition, we sought to analyze the outcomes of retrieval of FMFBs from limbs soft tissue aided by a permanent magnet. twenty-two patients with FMFBs in limbs soft tissue who underwent surgical intervention were included between September 2022 and April 2024. Preoperative X-ray localization and intraoperative magnet assistance were performed on all patients. Clinical evaluations included operation time and postoperative complications. The mean follow-up period was 10 ± 2.4 months. these FMFBs have been got out successfully in all the cases without complications. The average distance between the foreign body and the body surface measured before surgery was 2.35 cm.The operation time ranged from 30 s to 45 min, with an average operation time of 13.7 min. Retrieval of FMFBs from limbs soft tissue aided by a permanent magnet is an effective and reliable treatment without postoperative complications.