Incidental radiographic finding of the concealed art of susuk.
Susuk, or charm needles, are small, metallic needles inserted under the skin, considered to enhance beauty, health and luck. This hidden secret of inserting susuk is a traditional superstitious ritual, widely practiced among women of Southeast Asia. Here, we present an interesting case of incidental radiographic finding of the concealed art of susuk, which was exposed on a panoramic radiograph taken on a routine basis as a part of diagnostic work up at our centre. An orthopantomogram revealed bilateral metallic foreign bodies in the maxillo-facial region. Anamnestic data affirmed the practice of the body art of susuk. The charm needles were present in the orofacial region without the patient experiencing any pathological signs or symptoms.
Dental Biomaterials Research Chair, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia darshandevang@gmail.com.
Darshan
D
Devang Divakar
Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, KVG Dental College and Hospital, India.
Seema
S
Mavinapalla
Dental Biomaterials Research Chair, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Abdulaziz Abdullah
AA
Al Kheraif
Dental Biomaterials Research Chair, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Ravikumar
R
Ramakrishnaiah
Oral and Maxillofacial Department, Selayang Hospital, Malaysia.
Muhammad Furqon Bin
MF
Abd Rahim
Dental Biomaterials Research Chair, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Aftab Ahmed
AA
Khan
D005260:Female; D005547:Foreign Bodies / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D033162:Incidental Findings; D008875:Middle Aged; D009339:Needles; D011862:Radiography, Panoramic
Charm needles; Malay; forensic identification; ritual; susuk