Recurrent sinus of the cheek due to a retained foreign body: report of an unusual case

Abstract

Pathological sinuses in the maxillofacial region are frequently encountered in clinical practice. These sinuses may be a sequelae of periapical and periodontal pathologies or infections like osteomyelitis, actinomycosis etc. Classical clinical symptoms and radiographic features accompany all these infections. Rarely, sinuses in the oro-facial region can be sequelae of retained occult foreign bodies like wood in the soft tissues. We report a case of recurrent sinus of the cheek caused by an occult wooden splinter and discuss its diagnosis and clinical management.

Unusual wooden foreign body in the palate

“…6 Since wood is an organic material with low density, plain radiographs are almost unable to detect their pres ence in soft tissues and an ultrasound is the best imaging modality for detec tion of suspected wooden foreign bodies in soft tissues. 4,5,7,8 However, when wood induces calcification, it can be detected by conventional radiographic exams as in the reported case. On the other hand, the toothpick fragment could only be observed by macroscopic or microscopi cal analyses.…”

“…Infection is more frequent, however, and sometimes wood may also lead to an aseptic foreign body reaction. 4,5 Both types of inflammation demand complete surgical removal of the retained foreign body in order to cure the symptoms. 5 Foreign bodies often incite a chronic inflammatory reaction with the depo sition of mineral salts, similar to other types of calculi formation such as sialo lithiasis, rhinolith and tonsillolith.…”

Foreign Body in the Orbital Floor: A Case Report

“…All organic foreign bodies should be removed as they may later cause complications. Therefore, an early detection and removal of wooden foreign particles from soft tissues is essential [10].…”

Retained Metallic Foreign Body in Cheek: A Diagnostic and Surgical Challenge

“…Foreign bodies are often encountered by oral and maxillofacial surgeons and may present a diagnostic challenge, due to many factors such as the size of the object, the difficult access and a close anatomical relationship of the foreign body to vital structures. 1,2 Foreign bodies can Fig. 7: The object from other side or even years after initial trauma.…”