title: Intrauterine retention of fetal bone.
abstract: A case of secondary infertility, dysmenorrhoea and menorrhagia due to retained fetal bone is presented. Retained fetal bones should be considered in all patients with infertility, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, dysmenorrhoea or other symptoms dating from a pregnancy or pregnancy termination. Ultrasound is an excellent modality for evaluating these patients. Ultrasound is also very useful for the follow-up of patients after surgical removal of the bony fragments. Some bony fragments may be embedded in the endometrium or myometrium and may not be identified at curettage. Hysteroscopy is valuable in both establishing the diagnosis and the removal of bony fragments. A crucial aspect of the procedure involves reintroduction of the hysteroscope to document that the cavity is clear after attempts at bone removal are complete. After removal of bony fragments, restoration of fertility and improvement of symptoms are expected.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
authors.forename: N S
authors.initials: NS
authors.lastname: Chan
mesh_terms: D000027:Abortion, Incomplete / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D000328:Adult; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D004107:Dilatation and Curettage; D004412:Dysmenorrhea / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015907:Hysteroscopy; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000209:etiology*; D008595:Menorrhagia / Q000209:etiology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D013997:Time Factors; D014463:Ultrasonography