Management of penetrating medial and retro-bulbar orbital shrapnel/bullet injuries

The presence of shrapnel or a bullet lying in the medial orbital and retrobulbar area is rare. A review of the literature revealed only a few reports. Recently eye/orbital penetrating trauma has increased dramatically, mainly due to IEDs or conventional weaponry in civilian and military casualties. Our experience in the management of these types of injuries prompted this report.Practical techniques for correctly determining the location of retained projectiles in the orbit are described. Surgical techniques for treatment are presented, based on safe and successful practices used in the missile retrievals.Six shrapnel and three bullet injuries, mostly in the medial orbital region, were removed without increasing morbidity and with limited orbital tissue injury.