Transorbital injury from a harpoon involving the paranasal sinuses.
A harpoon accidentally entered the right eye of a 15-year-old boy. No loss of consciousness occurred. After neuro-radiological assessment, the object which had penetrated the sphenoid sinuses was removed without mishap. He made a good recovery but has, as permanent deficits, an inferotemporal field defect, diminished visual acuity with optic atrophy, a sensory pupillary defect and right ptosis. The need for hospitalisation and a team approach to penetrating injuries of the face is discussed.
D000293:Adolescent; D005005:Ethmoid Sinus / Q000293:injuries*; D005129:Eye Foreign Bodies / Q000601:surgery*; D005131:Eye Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009915:Orbit / Q000293:injuries*; D013101:Sphenoid Sinus / Q000293:injuries*; D014950:Wounds, Penetrating / Q000601:surgery*