Transconjunctival medial anterior orbitotomy for the removal of a wooden intraorbital foreign body extending to the optic nerve: A case report

Intraorbital foreign bodies can be classified into organic or inorganic according to their chemical composition. Wooden is inorganic in nature and is a rare, but serious form of intraorbital foreign body injuries. Evaluation and management of intraorbital wooden foreign bodies are highly challenging and can lead to severe orbital complications. In this paper, we report a case of a 33-year old man who presented with a penetrating wooden foreign body injury to the left orbit. Computed tomography revealed a linear shaped foreign body extending from left supraorbital ridge to the intraconal area. The tip of the foreign body was touching to the optic nerve without disrupting its integrity. The patient underwent transconjunctival medial anterior orbitotomy and the wooden foreign body was found to be located close proximity to the optic nerve in intraconal space. A 7cm wooden stick was removed completely with controlled traction. Postoperative recovery was uneventful with normal ophthalmic examination. Transconjunctival medial anterior orbitotomy is a useful and effective method for the removal of intraorbital wooden foreign bodies located in intraconal space