Intra orbital wooden foreign bodies: A retrospective study of 30 cases

We aimed to study thirty consecutive cases of Intraorbital Wooden Foreign Body (IOWFB), their clinical profile, and management in a tertiary care hospital.

Materials and method: A retrospective observational study of 30 cases at our center from March 2020 to December 2024 was conducted. Data were collected from hospital records and reviewed.

Results: Out of the thirty cases 14 patients presented with features of orbital cellulitis, 7 cases presented with Orbitocutaneous Fistula (OCF). Foreign body was detected in 17 cases by Computerized Tomography (CT), but ten cases were misdiagnosed on the initial CT scan. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) was performed in 13 cases including suspicious cases and when symptoms were not resolving. Eight patients underwent surgery multiple times of which 2 cases underwent surgery 3 times and 5 cases underwent surgery twice.

Conclusion: The size, location and number of IOWFB should be evaluated thoroughly using imaging studies. They are often misdiagnosed on imaging hence a high index of suspicion should be maintained in cases with a history of trauma regardless of the time interval between presentation and trauma. Primary surgery should be performed with proper exposure and the foreign body should be removed intact to have a better outcome. The study will help to avoid missed diagnosis and misdiagnosis of IOWFB.

Prof. Dr. Chandana Chakraborti did her MD (ophthalmology), AIIMS and joined in Govt Medical College in teaching post in 2005. She worked in 5 medical colleges since then and practiced oculoplasty & trauma during her tenure. She is currently working at BSMC, Ophthalmology dept. Teaching & research is her passion. She has published 2 books and 68 articles in various index journals. She is a well-known face in state & national conferences.