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Case Reports
. 2025 Jun 16;20(9):4395-4399.
doi: 10.1016/j.radcr.2025.05.056. eCollection 2025 Sep.

Retained plastic foreign body in the orbit after blunt trauma: A case report

Youssef Azouaghe  1   2 , Abdelmonim Belkacemi  1   2 , Saad Bouchlarhem  1   2 , Achraf Amine Sbai  1   2   3 , Drissia Benfadil  1   2   3 , Azeddine Lachkar  1   2   3 , Fahd El Ayoubi El Idrissi  1   2   3
Affiliations
Case Reports

Retained plastic foreign body in the orbit after blunt trauma: A case report

Youssef Azouaghe et al. Radiol Case Rep. .

Abstract

Intraorbital foreign bodies (IOFBs) are rare but potentially vision-threatening complications of orbital trauma, often presenting with subtle clinical signs despite significant underlying injury. We report the case of a 22-year-old male who sustained periorbital trauma after facial impact with a high-velocity plastic projectile. Clinical examination revealed a penetrating wound at the medial canthus of the left orbit, with preserved visual acuity and normal intraocular pressure. Computed tomography identified a radiopaque foreign body embedded in the inferomedial orbital floor. Surgical removal via a transconjunctival approach led to complete extraction of a spherical plastic object, with uneventful recovery and no postoperative complications. This case underscores the diagnostic challenges posed by nonmetallic IOFBs and the critical role of CT imaging in orbital trauma. Management strategies depend on the nature, size, and location of the foreign body, as well as associated complications such as globe perforation, infection, or oculomotor dysfunction. Prompt surgical intervention is essential to prevent long-term ocular and functional sequelae.

Keywords: Computed tomography; Intraorbital foreign body; Orbital trauma; Plastic projectile; Surgical extraction.

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Figures

Fig 1:
Fig. 1
The figure depicts a lacerated wound on the left upper eyelid extending anteriorly towards the nose, which was sutured at the primary care facility.
Fig 2:
Fig. 2
This figure showed an axial CT scan revealing a rounded foreign body located between the medial orbital wall and the ethmoid air cells.
Fig 3:
Fig. 3
This figure showed a sagittal CT scan with no evidence of a fracture at the base of the skull.
Fig 4:
Fig. 4
This figure showed a frontal CT scan demonstrating the plastic foreign body located medially to the medial oculomotor muscle.
Fig 5:
Fig. 5
This figure showed a 3D CT scan reconstruction illustrating an intraorbital foreign body, with associated fractures of the nasal bone and the frontal process of the left maxilla.
Fig 6:
Fig. 6
This figure showed an intraoperative view of the plastic foreign body and its successful removal.
Fig 7:
Fig. 7
This figure showed a rounded plastic foreign body approximately 1 cm in diameter.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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