# Penetrating Foot Injury Caused by a Retained Wood Screw: A Case Report

## TL;DR

A case report describes the removal of a wood screw from a foot injury, emphasizing the need for proper imaging and clinical evaluation to avoid complications.

## Contribution

This case highlights the importance of combining clinical and imaging assessments for managing foot injuries caused by foreign bodies.

## Key findings

- The metallic wood screw was successfully removed without osseous injury.
- Post-procedural imaging confirmed complete removal and no immediate complications.
- The case underscores the value of careful evaluation in emergency foot injury management.

## Abstract

Penetrating foot injuries are associated with a significant risk of retained foreign bodies, infection, and damage to osseous or soft tissue structures. Imaging is routinely recommended to assess the depth of penetration and exclude bone involvement. We report a case of a penetrating foot injury caused by a metallic wood screw that penetrated the sole of the shoe and the plantar aspect of the foot. Clinical assessment by an orthopedic specialist and radiographic imaging revealed no evidence of osseous injury. The foreign body was removed under local anesthesia with intravenous analgesia using a controlled rotational technique, followed by empirical antibiotic therapy and tetanus prophylaxis. Post-procedural imaging confirmed complete removal of the foreign body. No immediate complications were observed in the emergency department, and the patient was discharged with an urgent referral for outpatient orthopedic follow-up. This case highlights the importance of combining careful clinical examination with appropriate imaging in the emergency department management of penetrating foot injuries to guide safe foreign body removal and reduce the risk of complications.