11-year-old boy steps on hidden branch: doctors warn against self-extraction of foreign objects
While playing in the schoolyard, 11-year-old Asaf stepped on a pile of leaves concealing a sharp branch that penetrated deep into his leg. Following successful surgery at Hadassah Hospital, doctors emphasize that attempting to remove such objects independently can cause severe complications.
A few weeks ago, 11-year-old Asaf, a fifth-grade student from Tzur Hadassah, was playing with friends during recess when their ball flew over the fence. As he ran to retrieve it, he stepped on a pile of leaves that looked completely innocent, only to feel a sharp, sudden pain, his mother Keren told mako Health.
Hidden beneath the leaves was a sharp branch that had penetrated deep into his leg and remained lodged there. School staff called emergency services, and at one point, there was a suggestion to pull the branch out on the spot. However, Asaf’s parents insisted on waiting until they reached the hospital.
"We didn't want them to take it out," Keren says. "We didn't know exactly how severe the injury was yet, but it was clear to us that we needed to get to a hospital first."
At Hadassah Ein Kerem, imaging tests revealed that the branch had penetrated deep into the leg, reaching near the bone.
"After performing imaging tests to assess the path of penetration and the extent of the injury, we decided to remove the branch in the operating room," says Dr. Lea Sarna-Kahan, a physician in the pediatric emergency department. During the surgery, the wound was thoroughly cleaned and the damaged tissues were treated.
Dr. Michael Eckhouse, a senior physician in the orthopedic department who operated on Asaf alongside Dr. Munir Artul, explains that in such cases, one should never attempt to extract a foreign object independently. The branch was removed in a controlled manner in the operating room, ensuring no further damage to blood vessels or nerves.
Dr. Sarna-Kahan reminds the public that in cases of deep penetration, the area should be stabilized as much as possible before seeking professional medical care. Often, antibiotics, a tetanus shot, and surgical cleaning are required to mitigate infection risks.
Asaf is now recovering at home. His mother urges other parents to remain calm in emergencies and encourages children to stay alert to their surroundings.
