Intraoral Approach for Surgical Removal of a Nail in Penetrating Maxillofacial Injury

Abstract

An unusual case of penetrating maxillofacial injury caused by a nail gun is presented. In this case, the foreign body was shot into the left infratemporal fossa and maxillary sinus through the left cheek. We used an intraoral approach that allowed precise localization of the point of the infratemporal surface of the maxilla through which the nail penetrated the maxillary sinus. The nail was successfully removed and the patient was discharged with complete recovery. The details of the surgical approach as well as localization techniques are described. Different approaches to remove the nail as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each approach are discussed.

Intraoral Impalement Injury with Electric Toothbrush Head to the Infratemporal Fossa: A Case Report

“…However, active intervention may be required if it remains in a deeper layer or if there is concomitant inflammation or a tissue defect that requires suturing. 1 Although there exist reports of the removal of foreign bodies using the intraoral approach, as in our case, 6,8 the nasal approach 3,4 or percutaneous approach is often chosen. 5,7 In addition, several reports have described the removal of foreign bodies from the infratemporal fossa using intraoperative fluoroscopy, 7 navigation system, 3 or endoscopy.…”

“…of medical origin (gauze, broken-off needles, or maxillary molars) or trauma in head and neck lesion. [3][4][5][6][7][8] Except in cases of medical origin, foreign body oral intrusion into the infratemporal fossa is considered to be extremely rare.…”