To describe the operative technique and document procedural parameters for neodymium magnet-assisted retrieval of metallic foreign bodies (MFBs) in the upper extremity.
Approach:
Operative Techniques: Two operative techniques were applied: direct removal through a mini-incision, where the magnet attracts the MFB, and vibration localization, which allows for precise pre-extraction localization of fragments.
Key Findings:
All 15 MFBs were successfully retrieved (100% procedural success).
Mean operative duration was 3.13 ± 1.35 minutes overall; 2.75 ± 1.14 minutes for the hand cohort.
Mean fluoroscopy utilization was 0.88 images per case, with 80% of patients undergoing superficial mini-incisions.
Interpretation:
The findings indicate the feasibility of neodymium magnet-assisted retrieval in a hand surgery context, but they should be interpreted as hypothesis-generating due to the limited sample size.
Limitations:
Small sample size of 15 patients.
Retrospective design limits the ability to draw definitive conclusions.
Conclusion:
Neodymium magnet-assisted retrieval achieved high procedural success with low fluoroscopy use and brief operative durations.
