An Unusual Foreign Body in the Hand: Delayed Presentation of an Intact Human Tooth

Abstract

A 44 year old man presented with a painful, swollen right hand 10 days after a brawl. A radiograph showed an intact human tooth embedded in the soft tissue between the metacarpals of the middle and index fingers. The tooth was removed, and the wound debrided and left to heal by second intention. He made a complete recovery. This case emphasizes the importance of a plain radiograph, particularly when skin has been breached, and of removal and adequate debridement. Our patient was lucky to have had a successful outcome after so long a delay in treatment.

Key Words:

• hand
• foreign body
• human tooth
• delayed presentation
• radiograph