Analysis of unilateral complex orbital fractures with a new treatment algorithm

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate preoperative and postoperative properties, the management of unilateral complex orbital fractures, and to offer an algorithm for orbital fractures. For this research study, 248 patients with orbital trauma were evaluated according to an offered algorithm. Diplopia, enophthalmos, dystopia, infraorbital nerve dysfunction, and ocular movement limitations were documented for clinical assessment. Orbital rim displacement and an orbital volume check with computed tomography (CT) were used for indication of surgery. The injured orbital volume was compared with the healthy orbital volume in the preoperative and postoperative periods. In total, 58 patients required operations among the 248 patients, according to the algorithm. The preoperative mean injured orbital volume measurements of the operated patients were statistically different than the healthy orbital volume measurements (30.13 cm³ ± 2.69 cm³ and 27.15 cm³ ± 1.29 cm³, respectively). In the postoperative period, there was no difference between the injured and healthy orbital volume. In conclusion, an algorithm may facilitate the approach to unilateral complex orbital fractures. Ophthalmic examination, rim displacement, and the measurement of orbital volume using computed tomography are key points of orbital fractures with regard to management.

Key Words:

• Orbital fracture
• orbital volume
• enophthalmos
• algorithm for unilateral orbital fracture
• trauma
• craniofacial
• plastic surgery

Acknowledgement

This study was conducted with approval from the Local Ethical Committee.

Declaration of Interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.