A Rare Complication of Neglected Workplace Trauma Leading to Fistula Formation

Abstract

A long-term retained foreign body is rare and could lead to abnormal fistula formation. We present the case of a 25-year-old male with purulent discharge from the dorsal aspect of the left foot caused by a retained foreign body. The retained foreign body, a piece of rubber slipper retained over the past one year due to workplace injury to his left foot resulted in the formation of a fistula, a rare complication. The diagnosis was confirmed intraoperatively. We performed an emergency exploration of the left foot, the adhesions around the fistula were dissected, and we excised the fistula along with the foreign body. No severe complications occurred after surgery. We report this case to highlight that neglected foreign bodies can lead to various complications and healthcare professionals should be able to diagnose them with adequate imaging modalities.