Retention of Foetal Bone Fragments: A Cause of Secondary Infertility

Abstract

ABSTRACT Foetal bone retention is a rare cause of infertility. They act as barriers within the endometrial cavity like an intrauterine device. Nonspecific clinical symptoms such as abnormal uterine bleeding, pelvic pain, vaginal discharge and dysmenorrhea may be present in some patients. Here, the present author reports a case of a 31-year-old female who presented with secondary infertility and a history of recurrent brownish vaginal discharge following voluntary termination of pregnancy 16 years earlier. Ultrasonography was suggestive of bone retention and further evaluation with hysteroscopy confirmed the diagnosis. She had successful removal of bone fragments and she was pregnant 6 months post-removal of bone fragments.

Keywords

• hysteroscopy
• intrauterine bony fragments
• pelvic pain