Clinical Report: Utilization of Neodymium Magnets for MFB Extraction

Overview

This study reports on the retrieval of metallic foreign bodies (MFBs) in the upper extremity using neodymium magnets in a cohort of 15 patients. The technique demonstrated a 100% procedural success rate.

Background

Retained metallic foreign bodies in the upper extremity can lead to significant complications, including chronic pain and infection. Traditional retrieval methods often involve extensive dissection and prolonged operative times, increasing the risk of iatrogenic injury. Neodymium magnets offer a minimally invasive alternative.

Data Highlights

Key Findings

• All 15 MFBs were successfully retrieved, indicating a 100% procedural success rate.
• The mean operative duration was 3.13 ± 1.35 minutes overall.
• In the hand cohort, the mean operative duration was 2.75 ± 1.14 minutes under local anesthesia.
• Fluoroscopy utilization averaged 0.88 images per case, suggesting reduced imaging needs.
• 80% of patients underwent superficial mini-incisions without deep dissection.

Clinical Implications

The use of neodymium magnets for MFB retrieval may reduce the need for extensive surgical dissection and lower the risk of complications associated with traditional methods.

Conclusion

Neodymium magnet-assisted retrieval of MFBs in the upper extremity achieved a 100% procedural success rate. These findings should be interpreted as hypothesis-generating given the limited sample size.

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