Treatment of a Penetrating Intraorbital Injury by Rubber Projectile

Penetrating injuries caused by rubber projectiles are classified as low-velocity injuries. When the midface is affected, these can cause fractures, eye injuries, and even blindness. Unlike conventional projectiles, the removal of rubber projectiles involving the orbit and correction of associated fractures are mandatory for preventing infection and anophthalmic orbit syndrome, which is characterized by enophthalmos of the prosthesis, superior sulcus depression, and lower eyelid ptosis. This article aims to describe a case of penetrating injury by rubber projectile, associated with the removal and late reconstruction of the orbital walls, and to show the results obtained.

The Importance of Accurate, Early Bony Reconstruction in Orbital Injuries with Globe Loss

Patients who sustain facial fractures frequently suffer from visual disturbance. Additionally, orbital fractures often involve ocular injury, which, not infrequently, may require enucleation. Yet an anophthalmic orbit does not obviate the need for aggressive orbital fracture treatment. In fact, treatment of the sequelae of the anophthalmic orbit can be difficult and require multiple surgeries. Intraoperative use of a conformer after accurate bony reduction and orbital reconstruction with bone grafts or orbital implants are essential steps to allow for prosthetic rehabilitation of the anophthalmic orbit.