RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Hypodermic needles in the neuropathic foot of a patient with diabetes
JF Canadian Medical Association Journal
JO CMAJ
FD Canadian Medical Association
SP 765
OP 767
VO 158
IS 6
A1 PGW. Woolfrey
A1 R. L. Kirby
YR 1998
UL http://www.cmaj.ca/content/158/6/765.abstract
AB A 54-year-old woman with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, diabetic neuropathy, neuropathic arthropathy of the feet and a plantar ulcer underwent plain radiography, which showed 2 clipped-off hypodermic needles, of which she had been unaware, in the soft tissue of one foot. This previously unreported complication is clinically instructive in that it demonstrates the importance of counselling patients about the protection of insensitive extremities. This case also has public health implications, suggesting as it does that the still-common practice of breaking hypodermic needles before disposal should be strongly discouraged.