Transorbital-penetrating intracranial injury due to a homemade metal arrow: A case report

Abstract

A transorbital-penetrating intracranial injury (TOPI) is an unusual traumatic brain injury. This rare injury has the potential to result in serious and fatal brain damage with a high mortality rate and requires prompt multidisciplinary surgical intervention. Here, we describe an interesting case in which a patient who presented with accidental penetrating injuries of the brain was found to have a transorbital-penetrating intracranial injury (TOPI). We chose an anterior approach to the foreign body above the entrance wound for removal in a retrograde manner with fluoroscopic guidance. The patient remained well with no complications and was discharged on postoperative day 10. Reasonable diagnostic imaging, surgical planning, and careful post-surgery management can increase patients successful outcomes.