Orbital foreign bodies after penetrating gunshot wounds: Retrospective analysis of 22 cases and clinical review

We conducted a retrospective analysis of 22 patients having orbital penetra ting gunshot wounds treated over a 4-years period. The neurological status and the site of injury for each patient are evaluated in this study. We pro pose a practical protocol in the management of these orbital foreign bodies . Surgical treatment was performed in 4 patients (had functional deficit) w ith medial orbitotomy in 2, lateral orbitotomy in 1, and superior orbitotom y in 1.3 of them are improved, in one case the blindness has been continued . 18 patients were treated conservatively and all of them are improved. All patients were followed-up for 2 years with cranial X-rays and CT scans. Ne urological sequelae were regressed which existed before the surgery. In con servatively treated cases, infection, migration and functional deficit were not seen. In conclusion, orbital penetrating gunshot wounds must be evalua ted precisely by the surgeon and this evaluation sets the guidelines for ma nagement. The operation should be reserved for the patients in whom the nee rotic soft tissues or orbital damages restrict ocular movements.