A Case of Impacted Foreign Body in Zygomatic Region- A Missed Diagnosis

Abstract

Foreign body impaction in the soft tissues is not uncommon following maxillofacial trauma. Traumatic injuries in this region often cause penetrative injury of the soft tissues. Immediate closure of the soft tissue wound becomes the primary management strategy for control of haemorrhage. Foreign bodies may sometimes remain unnoticed in these wounds. Here, the authors present a case of retained metallic foreign body in the left zygomatic region in a 21-year-old male patient with history of simple slip and fall from staircase at home. Clinical evaluation and primary management of the facial wounds were done in a nearby healthcare centre by a general physician where the facial wounds were closed primarily using cyanoacrylate tissue glue to control the bleeding. Further, on clinical and radiographic examination by an oral maxillofacial surgeon, a 2×1 cm metallic foreign body was noted in the left zygomatic region. Immediate surgical removal under local anaesthesia was planned and performed. The purpose of reporting this case is to highlight the importance of thorough clinical and radiographic assessment as well as the need for an oral maxillofacial surgeon for prompt assessment, diagnosis, and management of these facial injuries.

Keywords

• foreign body impaction
• maxillofacial trauma
• radiography