Penetrating Orbitocranial Injuries in the Republic of Korea

OBJECTIVE: Penetrating brain injury occurs when an object enters the skull and pierces the brain. These injuries can damage small or large parts of the brain, are life-threatening, and require emergency care. This study is a summary of penetrating head injuries at our hospital and an analysis of their treatments and prognoses. METHODS: Patients with penetrating brain involving the orbit and/or cranial region were recruited among patients with trauma who visited our regional trauma center between 2019 and 2022. RESULTS: Eight patients with penetrating brain injuries were enrolled. One patient was female; the median age was 53 years (range, 24–72 years). Five patients with Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores of 14 or 15 showed no major vessel injury or midline intracranial involvement on imaging and were discharged safely. The other three patients with suspected major vessel injuries and midline involvement did not survive. CONCLUSION: The greatest influences on patient prognosis were the area of damage and level of consciousness, along with the GCS score at the time of the visit. The probability of survival is extremely low if the midline structure is damaged.