Dislocation of anatomic structures into the maxillary sinus after craniofacial trauma

Intrusion of foreign bodies into the paranasal sinuses after facial trauma is quite uncommon, and reports of dislocation of anatomic structures into the maxillary sinus are even more rare. Two patients with such injuries, which were initially undiagnosed, are described. The first case involved intrusion of two molars into the maxillary sinus after severe facial fractures, resulting in infection 4 days after the first surgery. The molars were eventually removed through a buccolabial incision without further complications. In the second case, an eyeball was completely dislocated into the maxillary sinus as a result of craniofacial trauma by wood fragments. The globe was successfully salvaged by digital reduction during initial surgery. However, the optic nerve was irreparably damaged. Computed tomographic study was crucial to establish the diagnosis in both patients. Possible mechanisms of this entity and the importance of considering all missing structures around the maxillary sinus after craniofacial trauma are discussed.