Overview
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if a strong magnet (neodymium magnet) can help doctors remove metal objects stuck under the skin in adults. It will also learn about the safety of this method. The main questions it aims to answer are:
- How often can doctors remove the metal object with the help of the magnet?
- How long does the procedure take?
- How often do doctors need to make a cut in the skin, and how long is the cut?
- What problems do participants have within 15 days after the procedure?
- How satisfied are participants with the procedure?
Participants will:
- Have an X-ray to find the metal object
- Have the metal object removed with the help of the magnet in the emergency department, with or without numbing medicine (local anesthetic)
- Come back for a wound check 15 days after the procedure
Description
This prospective, single-center, single-arm study is conducted in the Emergency Department of Bursa Uludag University Faculty of Medicine Hospital. Before the procedure, the location of the foreign body and its distance from the skin surface are measured on X-ray, and the entry site is photographed. Before sterile preparation, the magnetic property of the foreign body is confirmed with the neodymium magnet. After sterile preparation, the foreign body is localized with a sterile-draped neodymium magnet. Local anesthesia is applied if needed. The foreign body is removed through the existing wound or, if there is none, through a skin incision. The site is photographed again after removal. Prophylactic antibiotics are given for contaminated wounds. Participants are re-evaluated at suture removal or 15 days after the procedure.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Age 18 years or older
- Metallic foreign body in the soft tissue detected on plain radiography
- Foreign body located less than 2 cm from the skin surface
- Foreign body with magnetic properties that interacts with the magnet
- Signed written informed consent
Exclusion Criteria:
- Age under 18 years
- Foreign body located close to structures such as blood vessels, nerves or joint spaces
- Deep location requiring surgical removal
- Inability to cooperate
- Bleeding or coagulation disorder
- Refusal to sign informed consent
