# Asymptomatic fetal bone retention detected 12 years after termination of pregnancy: case report

**Authors:** İbrahim Kale, Cumhur Selçuk Topal

PMC · DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2023.46.100.39910 · The Pan African Medical Journal · 2023-12-12

## TL;DR

A woman had fetal bone fragments removed 12 years after a pregnancy termination during a routine check-up, showing the need for thorough post-procedure exams.

## Contribution

This case report documents a rare, long-term asymptomatic retention of fetal bone after termination.

## Key findings

- Fetal bone fragments were found 12 years after a terminated pregnancy during a routine gynecological exam.
- The bone was successfully removed under local anesthesia and ultrasound guidance.
- The case emphasizes the importance of post-curettage ultrasound to prevent long-term complications.

## Abstract

Intrauterine retention of fetal bone fragments is a rare complication that can be seen after pregnancy termination, especially in advanced gestational weeks. Here, we present a case of intrauterine fetal bone retention detected during routine gynecological examination in an asymptomatic woman whose pregnancy was terminated 12 years ago. Under local anesthesia and ultrasound guidance, the fetal bone was removed with a grasper. This case report highlights the importance of post-curettage ultrasound examination to ensure that no fetal tissue is left behind after termination of pregnancy.

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** fetal bone retention (MESH:D005315), retention (MESH:D016055), bone (MESH:D001847)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

_Full body text omitted from this summary view._ Fetch the complete paper as Markdown: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC10891369/full.md

## Figures

2 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC10891369/full.md

## References

7 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC10891369/full.md

---
Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC10891369