Retention of wooden foreign bodies in the orbit

Two cases of retention of wooden foreign bodies in the orbit are presented. Both patients had a draining fistula. A brain abscess developed in one and a foreign body granuloma in the other. In both cases computerized tomography was very helpful in localizing the foreign bodies and the sequelae. In such cases a subperiosteal surgical approach provides good exposure and minimizes the damage to the orbital contents. A high degree of suspicion of penetration of the orbit is essential in tree branch injuries of the eyelids.