BLOWOUT FRACTURES OF FLOOR OF ORBIT

  • 1 January 1964
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 90  (2) , 58-+
Abstract
Blowout fractures of the orbit, a frequent complication of midfacial trauma, result from an increased intra-orbital pressure which "blows out" the weakest area[long dash]the floor. Intra-orbital fat and muscles herniated into the maxillary sinus, muscles incarcerated in the fracture and the displaced orbital contents produce diplopia. After incarceration, elevation of the affected eye is impossible. Diagnosis is frequently difficult because initial intraorbital hemorrhage may limit mobility. Tomograms in the Waters'' projection may show the fracture but frequently reveal only a cloudy antrum. The muscle traction test described herein is most helpful. The surgical correction aims at bridging the defect with Teflon or stainless-steel mesh or endogenous bone graft placed beneath the periosteum. Entry is gained through the lower lid. If repaired early, there is no functional loss and the repair is cosmetically excellent.

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