Radiographic Appearance of Glass

The common notion that the opacity of glass on radiographs depends on its lead or heavy metal content is not correct. All glass has some degree of radiopacity on radiographs. Detection can be made easier by projections that free the fragment from overlying structures and expose its greatest diameter. Ultrasound is the imaging modality of choice for superficial foreign objects.

References

• Felman AH, Fisher MS. The radiographic detection of glass in soft tissue. Radiology. 1969 Jun;92(7):1529-31.
• Horton LK, Jacobson JA, Powell A, Fessell DP, Hayes CW. Sonography and radiography of soft-tissue foreign bodies. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2001 May;176(5):1155-9.