If we suspect a subcutaneous foreign body, we need to know where it is, what it is and how long it has been there.  This requires a good history, a thorough examination and appropriate imaging.  With this information, we can plan the best way to remove, which might involve referral.  

Check out the paper mentioned from the American Family Physician

Chan C, Salam GA. Splinter removal. Am Fam Physician. 2003 Jun 15;67(12):2557-62. PMID: 12825845. 

Retained foot FB paper mentioned

Chandrashekara CM, George MA, Al-Marboi BS. Neglected Foreign Body, the Cause of Navicular Osteomyelitis in A Paediatric Foot: A Case Report. J Orthop Case Rep. 2013 Jul-Sep;3(3):26-9. doi: 10.13107/jocr.2250-0685.111. PMID: 27298914; PMCID: PMC4719251. 

Retained FB in groin paper mentioned

Yhoshu E, Chaudhary G, Gupta MK. Retained wooden foreign body in groin in a child: A case report and review of literature. Afr J Paediatr Surg. 2020 Jul-Dec;17(3 & 4):127-130. doi: 10.4103/ajps.AJPS_22_20. PMID: 33342850; PMCID: PMC8051621.

Case of penile FB paper mentioned

Kaneko T, Sakamoto A, Yoshida T, Yanagida K, Yoshimura I, Hagiwara K, Kimura M, Yamada Y, Nakagawa T. Penetrating penile injury due to the splintering of the floorboards in the gymnasium. IJU Case Rep. 2021 May 4;4(4):221-223. doi: 10.1002/iju5.12290. PMID: 34258532; PMCID: PMC8255285.

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