Related Experiment Videos
Orbital "shanking": a unique prison injury.
Todd E. Whitaker1, Steven E. Katz, Martin Lubow
1William H. Havener Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
Orbit (Amsterdam, Netherlands)
|June 5, 2002
Summary
Prison assaults involving "shanking" can cause dangerous orbitocranial penetration. Physicians must suspect penetrating injuries in prisoners due to inconspicuous entry sites and limited histories, as illustrated by a fatal case.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Forensic Medicine
- Trauma Surgery
Background:
- Shanking is a prevalent form of assault in correctional facilities.
- Penetrating head and orbit injuries are serious concerns within prison populations.
- Orbital apex syndrome can result from severe penetrating trauma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe orbitocranial penetration injuries resulting from shanking.
- To highlight the clinical presentation and fatal outcome of such injuries.
- To emphasize the importance of high clinical suspicion for penetrating trauma in prisoners.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a prisoner with orbitocranial penetration.
- Clinical evaluation including presentation of orbital apex syndrome.
- Surgical intervention and post-mortem analysis.
Main Results:
- The patient presented with orbital apex syndrome 5 days post-assault.
- Surgical removal of the penetrating object was performed.
- The patient died 9 days after surgery from a presumed ruptured traumatic aneurysm.
Conclusions:
- Orbitocranial penetration from shanking is a critical injury requiring prompt recognition.
- Physicians must maintain a high index of suspicion for penetrating injuries in incarcerated individuals.
- Delayed diagnosis and treatment can lead to severe complications and mortality.