Sewing Needle over the Left Hip

 

This left hip DXA scan image shows a sewing needle over the left proximal femur. The contralateral femur will need to be scanned.

The needle projects over the left proximal femur on the pelvic radiograph.

Case Description:

This Hologic image shows a sewing needle embedded in the left buttock. Because the needle is overlying bone, it would be necessary to analyze the contralateral proximal femur. The patient remembered sitting on a sewing needle as a child, but nothing had ever been done to remove the needle.

Credit:

Sarah L Morgan, MD, RD, CCD, The University of Alabama at Birmingham

References:

• Martineau, P., S. Bazarjani, and L.S. Zuckier, Artifacts and Incidental Findings Encountered on Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry: Atlas and Analysis. Semin Nucl Med, 2015. 45(5): p. 458-69.
• Bazzocchi, A., et al., Incidental findings with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry: spectrum of possible diagnoses. Calcif Tissue Int, 2012. 91(2): p. 149-56.
• Bojinca, V., D. Opris, and M. Bonjinca, Artifacts and pitfalls in DXA scan images and interpretation. J Clin Densitom, 2012. 15(4): p. 486-487.