Transfacial Removal of a Retained Crossbow Arrow to the Head: A Multidisciplinary Approach.

Abstract

We present a case of a 49 year-old male who suffered from a homicide attempt with a crossbow arrow, resulting in a retained foreign body through his mandible, pterygoids, nasopharynx, and parotid gland. The patient was being managed conservatively with antibiotics to manage symptoms of recurrent infections prior to transfer to our center. The patient developed worsening congestion, foul drainage from the arrow exit wound, as well as developing worsening facial pain. The Head and Neck Oncology, Rhinology, as well as the Neurointerventional radiology services collaborated in a case for the subsequent safe removal of the crossbow arrow. The patient recovered well 3 months post-operatively with improvement in his pain and nasal symptoms.