Novel methods of removing metallic foreign body from human soft tissue: a report of 7390 cases.

BACKGROUND: We studied methods of locating metallic foreign bodies in soft tissue of the human body. METHODS: Using a three-dimensional (3D) locator, we removed metallic foreign bodies precisely from soft tissue of 7390 patients through magnetic forceps between June 1999 and June 2009. RESULTS: In 7390 patients, we successfully removed 99.5% of all metallic foreign bodies by 3D locator and forceps. Average operation time was 5 min. CONCLUSIONS: Metallic foreign bodies can be located precisely and removed simply with few complications using our 3D location method. The method may lead to minor trauma, less suffering, and a high success rate.