Missed retained knife blade injury: A potentially lethal trap for the unwary

Introduction: retained knife blade is an uncommon injury and they often present in a spectacular fashion. concealed retained knife blade, however, is difficult to diagnose without a detailed clinical and radiological assessment. Extraction requires careful planning in a controlled environment, preferably in the operating theater. case report: We present the highly unusual case of a 25-year-old male in whom a retained knife blade following a stab to the left anterior leg was missed on three separate visits to a rural hospital. conclusion: Whilst diagnosis and management continues to be challenging, clinicians must always remain vigilant to the possibility of such injury. When the presentation is unclear, a high level of suspicion, Victor Kong1, John Bruce2, Leah Naidoo3, George Oosthuizen4, Grant Laing2, Damian Clarke4 Affiliations: 1MBChB, Surgical Registrar, Pietermaritzburg Metropolitan Trauma Service, Department of Surgery, Edendale Hospital, Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa; 2FCS(SA), Consultant Trauma Surgeon, Pietermaritzburg Metropolitan Trauma Service, Department of Surgery, Edendale Hospital, Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa; 3MBChB, Surgical House Officer, Pietermaritzburg Metropolitan Trauma Service, Department of Surgery, Edendale Hospital, Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa; 4FCS(SA), Senior Consultant Trauma Surgeon, Pietermaritzburg Metropolitan Trauma Service, Department of Surgery, Edendale Hospital, Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. Corresponding Author: Victor Yeewai Kong, Pietermaritzburg Metropolitan Trauma Service, Department of Surgery, Edendale Hospital, Private Bag X509, Plessislaer, Pietermaritzburg, 3216, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa; Cell No: +27(0)797411036; Fax: +27(0)333954094; Email: [email protected] Received: 06 December 2012 Accepted: 22 May 2013 Published: 01 September 2013 careful clinical assessment and judicious use of radiography is of paramount importance. Early referral to a trauma center for definitive management is crucial.