Retained knife blades in the ear, nose and throat: three cases.

OBJECTIVE

To discuss the management and to review the literature regarding retained knife blades in the head and neck.

CASE REPORT: We present three cases in which patients presented with retained knife blades in the head and neck region; in two of these, the diagnosis was delayed by more than eight weeks. In all patients, the retained knife blade was removed through the pathway of insertion, without significant sequelae.

DISCUSSION: The methods of removal, appropriate radiological investigations and patient profiles are discussed.

CONCLUSIONS

We propose that radiography be performed on all patients presenting with facial stab injuries which are anything more than superficial. We further suggest that the direct extraction of sharp objects through the pathway of insertion is safe if radiological studies show no risk of vascular injury.