SPLINTER IN THE MIND - A CASE OF PENETRATING PERIORBITAL INJURY

A case of penetrating orbitocranial injury in a 12-year-old boy is des cribed. The orbital injuries are usually obvious on presentation and r eceive prompt attention but a high index of suspicion is needed togeth er with specialized imaging to diagnose the frequently coexistent intr acranial penetration. Intracranial suppuration is the major complicati on with combined mortality from all complications reported to be as hi gh as 25%. The value of aggressive antibiotic therapy and formal explo ration is emphasized and the importance of wood as a particularly haza rdous foreign body is stressed.