Orbital foreign bodies after penetrating gunshot wounds: retrospective analysis of 22 cases and clinical review.

We conducted a retrospective analysis of 22 patients having orbital penetrating gunshot wounds treated over a 4-years period. The neurological status and the site of injury for each patient are evaluated in this study. We propose a practical protocol in the management of these orbital foreign bodies. Surgical treatment was performed in 4 patients (had functional deficit) with medial orbitotomy in 2, lateral orbitotomy in 1, and superior orbitotomy in 1. 3 of them are improved, in one case the blindness has been continued. 18 patients were treated conservatively and all of them are improved. All patients were followed-up for 2 years with cranial X-rays and CT scans. Neurological sequelae were regressed which existed before the surgery. In conservatively treated cases, infection, migration and functional deficit were not seen. In conclusion, orbital penetrating gunshot wounds must be evaluated precisely by the surgeon and this evaluation sets the guidelines for management. The operation should be reserved for the patients in whom the necrotic soft tissues or orbital damages restrict ocular movements.