Migration of an ingested orthodontic retainer into the psoas muscle presenting with radiculopathy-like symptoms: A case report.
Hyun Gu Lee, Hayoung Lee, Youn Young Park
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
Case in brief
A 26-year-old man presented with abdominal pain after swallowing an orthodontic retainer. Although his abdominal pain improved, he later experienced persistent right lower-limb paresthesia and pain. Initial imaging showed a metallic foreign body penetrating the small bowel, but it was not identified during a diagnostic laparoscopy. A follow-up CT revealed the foreign body had migrated into the right psoas muscle, leading to surgical removal, after which his symptoms resolved.
What made this case unusual
The case highlights the rare occurrence of a foreign body migrating into the psoas muscle, presenting with delayed neurological symptoms rather than typical gastrointestinal signs.
Diagnostic / clinical pearl
Clinicians should consider repeat imaging in cases of persistent symptoms following negative explorations, as foreign bodies can migrate and cause atypical presentations.
Why it matters
This case underscores the importance of recognizing that sharp foreign bodies can migrate silently and lead to significant complications, necessitating a high index of suspicion for diagnosis.