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Retained knife blades in the ear, nose and throat: three cases

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 April 2008

A C van Lierop ,
O Raynham ,
O Basson  and
D E Lubbe
A C van Lierop*
Affiliation:
Division of Otolaryngology, University of Cape Town, South Africa
O Raynham
Affiliation:
Division of Otolaryngology, University of Cape Town, South Africa
O Basson
Affiliation:
Division of Otolaryngology, University of Cape Town, South Africa
D E Lubbe
Affiliation:
Division of Otolaryngology, University of Cape Town, South Africa
*
Address for correspondence: Dr A C van Lierop, Division of Otolaryngology, Groote Schuur Hospital, Observatory 7925, Cape Town, South Africa. Fax:  +27214488865 E-mail: antonvl@worldonline.co.za
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Abstract

Objective:

To discuss the management and to review the literature regarding retained knife blades in the head and neck.

Case report:

We present three cases in which patients presented with retained knife blades in the head and neck region; in two of these, the diagnosis was delayed by more than eight weeks. In all patients, the retained knife blade was removed through the pathway of insertion, without significant sequelae.

Discussion:

The methods of removal, appropriate radiological investigations and patient profiles are discussed.

Conclusions:

We propose that radiography be performed on all patients presenting with facial stab injuries which are anything more than superficial. We further suggest that the direct extraction of sharp objects through the pathway of insertion is safe if radiological studies show no risk of vascular injury.

Keywords

Neck InjuriesStab WoundsForeign Bodies
Type
Clinical Records
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 123 , Issue 3 , March 2009 , pp. 351 - 355
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2008

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References

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