How to: Scan for foreign bodies

Foreign bodies are a pain - for the patient and the treating medical professional. Small and elusive, x-ray is not always the best way to identify and locate a splinter or shard. Ultrasound is a powerful tool and the imaging the mode of choice as it can be used to detect, localise and remove foreign bodies simultaneously.
In this edition of the Coaching Corner Suean shares her trademark 5-step approach to getting the best images of foreign bodies small and large, and the tips and tricks that will help you remove those pesky penetrations.
If you'd like to learn more about our ultrasound courses visit the Zedu website - www.ultrasoundtraining.com.au/
And be sure to tune in to the #coachingcorner - the first Thursday of each month, 7:30pm AEST​​.
PLUS - why not join our community of clever and share/learn ultrasound teaching techniques on Facebook at / 2320595437975758 .
AND don't forget - if you have a question, a case you want to share or a paper you are keen to talk about please - log on.
Chapters
02:20 - why not just an x-ray?
03:07 - how big is big enough to see a foreign body on ultrasound?
05:03 - Step 1: history - helps you identify the object you're loking for
06:09 - Step 2: prepare - including how to create a stand-off using gel, a glove and a water bath
19:12 - Step 3: scan - ergonomics, sonographic signatures (metal vs glass vs organic), using the artifact to locate
30:34 - Step 4: measure - length, width, height with an indicative imaging series
33:06 - Step 5: X marks the spot
34:50 - Pitfalls of foreign body scanning
36:25 - Summary
38:30 - Q&A

[@peaceomefe4021]

Thanks for being very explicit and detailed. Your tutorials have been helpful

[@zedunow]

Thank you for your comment Peace - we really appreciate it. How do you use POCUS? Have the ultrasound tips and tricks helped you in clinical practice?