Investigative radiology
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The ability of B-scan ultrasonography to detect soft tissue foreign bodies of various sizes and composition was investigated in a canine model. Foreign bodies consisting of wooden rods 0.7 mm and larger, lead-free glass rods 2.0 mm and larger, plastic rods 3.9 mm and 5.6 mm, and metal needles 0.5 mm and larger were embedded in fleshy soft tissue. ⋯ Wood is best visualized followed by glass, plastic, and metal. Ultrasound may be a valuable noninvasive means of detecting soft tissue foreign bodies; further investigation to delineate its clinical role is warranted.