HYPODERMIC NEEDLES IN THE NEUROPATHIC FOOT OF A PATIENT WITH DIABETES

A 54-YEAR-OLD WOMAN With insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, diabetic neuropathy, neuropathic arthropathy of the feet and a plantar ulcer u nderwent plain radiography, which showed 2 clipped-off hypodermic need les, of which she had been unaware, in the soft tissue of one foot. Th is previously unreported complication is clinically instructive in tha t it demonstrates the importance of counselling patients about the pro tection of insensitive extremities. This case also has public health i mplications, suggesting as it does that the still-common practice of b reaking hypodermic needles before disposal should be strongly discoura ged.