Nonmetallic foreign bodies in the foot: radiography versus xeroradiography.

Nonmetallic foreign bodies were embedded in cadaver feet. Standard x-rays and xerograms were taken and compared. The results appear to indicate that standard x-rays remain the more clinically practical means of screening for foreign bodies. The literature regarding xeroradiography suggests that this is superior to radiography in detection of nonmetallic foreign bodies. By embedding nonmetallic foreign bodies in cadaver feet and comparing standard x-rays to xerograms, the examiner should be able to confirm or disprove this premise.