Trans-orbital orbitocranial penetrating injury by pointed iron rod

Abstract

Trans-orbital orbitocranial penetrating injury (TOPI) by a foreign body is an extremely rare compound head injury having a potential to cause major morbidity and mortality. Preoperative radiological imaging by CT scan is very important for operative guidance, but in remote area where CT scan is not available, the patient is generally referred to tertiary level. Here we present a case which was dealt successfully without CT scan, only on the basis of stable clinical status and X-rays. We present a case of a 35-year-old man who had an accidental injury (fall from height) by rod. Immediate X-ray (anteroposterior and lateral views) revealed that the pointed end of the foreign body (rod) was inside the ipsilateral anterior fossa via basifrontal bone up to frontal vertex, not crossing the midline. CT scan was not available and his vitals with GCS were normal (15/15). He was operated with the help of an ophthalmic surgeon by right frontotemporal craniotomy. The patient was discharged on 10(th) day without any neurological deficit except restricted right eyeball movement to superolateral and ptosis. The restricted eyeball movements recovered after third month of follow up with remnant ptosis for 2 years. This case highlights an unusual case, direct visualization and repair of brain structures with higher antibiotics can save the life even in remote areas where CT scan is still not available only on the basis of stable GCS and X-rays.

Keywords: Metal bar; multispeaiciality approach; non availability of computed tomography scan; trans-orbital penetrating head injury; transorbital orbitocranial penetrating injury.

Figure 1

Transorbital orbitocranial penetrating injury, in right eye preoperative

Figure 2

X-ray (AP view)

Figure 3

X-ray (lateral view)