Transorbital penetrating cerebral injury caused by a wooden stick: surgical nuances for removal of a foreign body lodged in cavernous sinus.

PURPOSE: Penetrating head injury (PHI) is rare in civilian population and is mostly caused by low-velocity modes. A transorbital penetrating intracranial injury is very rare and more severe than traumatic brain injury.

METHODS

We report a rare case of transorbital penetrating cranial injury caused by a wooden stick. The surgical strategy was planned as the wooden stick was lodged in the right cavernous sinus.

RESULTS

The wooden stick was successfully removed. Patient made an uneventful recovery.

CONCLUSIONS

Transorbital penetrating injuries are uncommon form of injury and require a multidisciplinary approach. No attempt should be made to remove the foreign body without the backup of an operating room because of the possibility that the object may be tamponading an injured vessel. A careful planning and a strict adherence to basic perioperative principles can lead to a satisfactory outcome.