Management of a Retained Rare Earth Magnetic Finger Mass Sustained from a Semiconductor Explosion Injury: A Case Report.

Priscilla K Cavanaugh, Susan A Inniss, Mark L Wang

JBJS case connector 2022 Jan 26

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We present a case of a 51-year-old man with a retained supercharged rare earth magnetic finger mass sustained from an explosion injury at a semiconductor processing facility. The patient underwent excision of the rare metal mass, subsequently maintaining digital function without mass recurrence. Common to the semiconductor industry, neodymium is a rare earth metal and powerful magnet. Particulates are highly combustible, representing a potential explosive biohazard. To date, its toxicity and bioreactivity within the hand have not been thoroughly investigated. This is the first report of the successful surgical treatment of a retained rare earth neodymium magnetic hand mass. Copyright © 2022 by The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Incorporated.

Citation

Priscilla K Cavanaugh, Susan A Inniss, Mark L Wang. Management of a Retained Rare Earth Magnetic Finger Mass Sustained from a Semiconductor Explosion Injury: A Case Report. JBJS case connector. 2022 Jan 26;12(1)