Late Presentation of a Retained Stingray Spine in the Plantar Medial Hindfoot

Abstract

In the United States, approximately 2000 stingray injuries occur annually. The majority of reports on stingray injuries to the foot and ankle reflect acute injuries. Delayed presentation after stingray injury to the foot and ankle has not been reported. We present a case of a 29-year-old female who sustained a stingray injury to the left plantar medial hindfoot 14 months prior to presenting to our clinic with new-onset posteromedial ankle redness and swelling along the tarsal tunnel. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed multiple linear foreign bodies at the quadratus plantae and tarsal tunnel. The patient underwent operative exploration with removal of multiple retained stingray spines. At her most recent follow-up at 3 months, she was able to resume her usual activities. Level of Evidence: Level V, case report.