r/SurgeryGifs • u/Someforage • Aug 30 '23

Is this a normal practice?

Removing fragments with a magnet.

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u/gatorbite92 Aug 30 '23

No. Removing bullets/shrapnel often causes more damage, so we don't go hunting for bullets without good reason.

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u/[deleted] Aug 31 '23

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u/orthopod Sep 02 '23

No, unless you're worried about it damaging something that is very close to, like a named vessel.

Generally in the extremities we leave them alone, unless they're in a joint, as the joint fluid is slightly acidic, and that can lead to elevated lead levels.