Penetrating Orbitocranial Injury With a Good Aesthetic and Functional Outcome: A Case Report

Abstract

Background and Importance: Transorbitocranial assaults with sharp objects like a knife are rare neuro-ophthalmologic emergencies. However, they can have dramatic functional and life-threatening consequences. Our presentation aims to report the importance of an urgent multidisciplinary approach and to raise awareness among the general population on the importance of preventing violent behavior. Case Presentation: A 33-year-old man was a victim of a knife attack without obvious brain or ophthalmological lesions. The knife entered the medial part of the orbit. Neurological examination was normal, and Computed Tomography (CT) scan showed intracranial trajectory through the orbit to the frontal horn of the lateral ventricle. The knife was extracted without complications. The patient reported spectacular improvement in visual acuity without neurological or oculomotor deficit at long-term follow-up. In this case report, we will discuss the radiological diagnosis and surgical management of transorbital and orbitocranial injuries by foreign body penetration. Conclusion: Urgent multidisciplinary management in orbitocranial trauma by stabbing is mandatory to avoid life-threatening complications and irreversible damages.

Keywords

• craniofacial penetrating
• foreign body
• computed tomography
• extraction
• infection