Application of Ultrasonography to Detect the Precise Location of the Lost Fish Bone in the Tongue

Abstract

The loss of fish bones in oral tissue occurs often. If a fish bone partially sticks into tissue, part of it remains visible directly and is easily removed. However, if a fish bone completely sticks deep into tissue, it is hard to detect its precise location. We report a case of removal of a fish bone that was completely embedded in the tongue with the aid of ultrasonography. A 73-year-old female visited us complaining of tongue pain. The case history revealed that the pain was caused by a lost fish bone. The fish bone was removed under general anesthesia and ultrasonography during surgery greatly contributed to locating the position of the fish bone in the tongue. It is suggested that ultrasonography is very useful for detecting lost foreign bodies in tissue.