Intraoperative Fluoroscopy-Guided Removal of Orbital Foreign Bodies

Purpose: To describe the use of intraoperative fluoroscopy as all aid in the removal of radio-opaque orbital foreign bodies. Methods: A retrospective interventional case series of 12 patients with orbital foreign bodies that required removal for various indications. All patients underwent orbitotomy and removal of the foreign bodies with the aid of real-time intraoperative fluoroscopic localization. Results: The orbital foreign body was successfully removed Without complication in all 12 patients. One patient with ethmoid sinusitis preoperatively had resolution of the infection after Surgery. Two patients with extraocular motility deficits preoperatively experienced significant improvement in motility after Surgery. Three patients who required MRI studies for unrelated conditions were able to undergo scanning postoperatively without complications. Two patients were combat casualties treated by US medical personnel during Operation Iraqi Freedom. There were no cases of visual or ocular morbidity directly attributable to foreign body removal. Conclusion: Intraoperative fluoroscopy is a valuable toot that can aid in the removal of radio-opaque orbital foreign bodies. (Ophthal Plast Reconstr Surg 2009;25:215-218)