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Case Report | Surgery | Volume 15 Issue 6, June 2026 | Pages: 1599 - 1603 | India
The Hidden Cause of a Non-Healing Forehead Wound: Significance of Meticulous Debridement and Examination in Pediatric Trauma - A Case Report
Abstract: Background: Pediatric facial trauma frequently presents with soft-tissue injuries that require prompt evaluation and management to prevent complications. Inadequate wound exploration and premature closure may result in retained foreign bodies, infection, delayed healing, and the need for secondary surgical intervention. This report highlights the importance of meticulous wound assessment and debridement in pediatric facial injuries. Case Presentation: A 7-year-old male child presented with pain, swelling, and purulent discharge from a previously sutured wound in the left supraorbital region following trauma from a cricket bat while playing. Initial management at a private healthcare facility involved primary wound closure. However, progressive swelling and signs of infection developed over the following days. Clinical examination revealed a sutured lacerated wound with marked tenderness, edema, and pus discharge. Computed tomography demonstrated a left supraorbital rim fracture with associated soft-tissue involvement. Surgical exploration under general anesthesia revealed copious purulent discharge and a retained wooden fragment from the cricket bat embedded within the wound. Thorough debridement and irrigation were performed, followed by anatomical reduction and fixation of the supraorbital rim fracture using a 2-hole gap titanium miniplate. The wound was subsequently closed in layers. Results: Postoperative recovery was uneventful, with complete resolution of infection, satisfactory wound healing, and restoration of facial contour. No functional or esthetic complications were observed during follow-up. Conclusion: This case underscores the critical role of careful primary wound assessment, adequate exploration, and meticulous debridement in pediatric facial trauma. Retained organic foreign bodies should be suspected in cases of delayed wound healing or persistent infection following trauma. Early recognition and appropriate surgical management are essential to prevent avoidable complications and achieve favorable outcomes.
Keywords: Pediatric facial trauma, Supraorbital rim fracture, Retained foreign body, Wooden foreign body, Wound debridement, Facial laceration, Infection, Cricket bat injury
How to Cite?: Dr. Shreyas J Sorake, Dr. Jamema Jamal, Dr. Suprathima Saritha, "The Hidden Cause of a Non-Healing Forehead Wound: Significance of Meticulous Debridement and Examination in Pediatric Trauma - A Case Report", Volume 15 Issue 6, June 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1599-1603, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26629110057, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26629110057