Contracture of the third toe as a delayed presentation of a foreign body in the foot

Foot Ankle Spec. 2011 Oct;4(5):298-300. doi: 10.1177/1938640011411081. Epub 2011 Sep 16.

Abstract

Foreign body retention in the foot after a penetrating injury is an unusual occurrence with varied presentation. A degree of suspicion needs to be present in situations where there is an inexplicable swelling, sinus, abscess, or tenderness. The authors present a case with a contracture of the third toe that had been caused by plantar fascial fibrosis secondary to retention of a rubber foreign body in the foot. This case report highlights the fact that an ultrasound to rule out retention of the foreign body might be a judicious investigation if common causes of toe contracture are excluded. It may also have therapeutic implications.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Contracture / diagnosis
  • Contracture / etiology*
  • Delayed Diagnosis*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Foot*
  • Foreign Bodies / complications*
  • Foreign Bodies / diagnosis
  • Humans
  • Orthopedic Procedures / methods
  • Time Factors