Woman Finds Chopstick Fragments in Sinuses After Attack

A 29-year-old Taiwanese woman required surgery to remove two plastic chopstick fragments from her sinuses after an attack by her sister. According to The Journal of Emergency Medicine, the fragments—measuring 3.5 and 5 centimeters—were not detected during her initial emergency room visit.

Why were the fragments missed during the first visit?

The patient first sought care for a nosebleed and swelling of the left eye. Doctors recorded two small cuts on her nose and under her eye, but an X-ray showed no lesions.

Medical professionals in the report explained that foreign bodies entering the skull can be asymptomatic. They may present only as tiny lacerations, which can lead to an initial underestimation of the injury’s severity.

Did You Know? The fragments removed from the patient’s sinuses were significantly different in size, measuring approximately 3.5 centimeters and 5 centimeters respectively.

How were the foreign objects eventually found?

One week after the initial treatment, the patient noticed pieces of the wood-imitation plastic chopsticks were missing. She spotted a gray object inside her nose while looking in a mirror.

Upon returning to Hualien Tzu Chi hospital, a physician found fragments had penetrated her nasal septum, the wall separating the nostrils. A CT scan confirmed two pieces were lodged in the sinuses, with one penetrating deeper than the other.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that this case highlights a critical diagnostic gap where standard X-rays may fail to detect non-metallic or specific plastic foreign bodies. The shift to a CT scan was the deciding factor in locating the fragments that a primary screening missed.

What was the outcome of the surgical procedure?

Surgeons successfully removed both fragments through a surgical intervention. The operation concluded without complications.

International Medical Center of Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital #國際醫學中心 #花蓮慈濟醫院

The reporting physicians concluded that ENT examinations and CT scans are essential whenever a foreign body is suspected near the nose. Such protocols may help identify hidden objects more quickly to prevent prolonged asymptomatic presence in the skull.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the cause of the injury?
The patient was attacked by her sister during a dinner using plastic chopsticks that imitated wood.

What symptoms did the patient have initially?
She presented with a slight nosebleed, swelling of the left eye, and two small cuts.

What diagnostic tool finally located the fragments?
A CT scan revealed the two pieces of chopsticks embedded in the sinuses.

How can patients better advocate for advanced imaging when initial tests return negative results?