Late Presentation of Transorbital Maxillary Sinus Foreign Body

Abstract

Abstract Objective We describe an unusual case where we found a broken pen 20 years after trauma causing cicatricial ectropion and mimicking osteomyelitis. Methods Case reports Results A 60-year-old male presented with 6 months history of epiphora and cheek hypoesthesia after a 3 months old discharging sinus had healed causing cicatricial ectropion of left lower eyelid. He also gave history of road traffic accident 20 years ago with injury at the same site that had healed. Clinical diagnosis of maxillary sinus osteomyelitis was made and computerized tomographic (CT) scan revealed a suspicious foreign body extending from the orbit into the maxillary sinus. Infraorbital incision and endoscopic approach were used to remove the 4 cm long broken pen. Conclusion Penetrating injuries, however trivial they may appear, need to be investigated further with a CT scan to detect foreign bodies early and prevent late complications.