title: Deliberate self-harm by insertion of foreign bodies into the forearm.
abstract: Deliberate self-harm is common. It is usually by drug overdose or ingestion of other noxious substances, but self-harm by cutting or burning often comes to the attention of plastic surgeons. We report three variant cases involving insertion of paperclips, a ballpoint pen cartridge and sewing needles into the forearm. We discuss the management considerations of each case and emphasise the importance of actively addressing the underlying psychiatric problems for all instances of deliberate self-harm.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic Surgery, Queen Victoria Hospital, Holtye Road, East Grinstead, West Sussex RH19 3DZ, UK. will.wraight@doctors.org.uk
authors.forename: William M
authors.initials: WM
authors.lastname: Wraight
authors.forename: H J C R
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Belcher
authors.forename: Hugo D
authors.initials: HD
authors.lastname: Critchley
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005542:Forearm; D005547:Foreign Bodies / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000150:complications; D016728:Self-Injurious Behavior / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*