Management of orbital-sinus foreign bodies

Orbital-sinus foreign bodies traverse the orbit and lay, at least partially, within the paranasal sinuses. Most of these injuries occur as a result of facial trauma. In most cases, history alone is not sufficient to rule out a retained foreign body. Early magnetic resonance imaging is necessary to evaluate the full extent of injury. Since these foreign bodies may cause a severe orbital infection and threaten the patient's vision, surgical removal is recommended. Endoscopic sinus surgery provides a safe and effective approach for extraction of these foreign bodies that can be used alone or in conjunction with other surgical approaches. The case of an orbital-sinus foreign body is presented together with a comprehensive approach for diagnosis and management of this type of injury.